Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adapt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adapt are accommodate, adjust, conform, and reconcile. While all these words mean "to bring one thing into correspondence with another," adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

Where would accommodate be a reasonable alternative to adapt?

The synonyms accommodate and adapt are sometimes interchangeable, but accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

accommodated his political beliefs in order to win

When can adjust be used instead of adapt?

The meanings of adjust and adapt largely overlap; however, adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.

adjusted the budget to allow for inflation

In what contexts can conform take the place of adapt?

In some situations, the words conform and adapt are roughly equivalent. However, conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

When is it sensible to use reconcile instead of adapt?

While in some cases nearly identical to adapt, reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.

tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adapt Seals seem to be adapting to the changing climate by eating more warm-water fish, said Moon. Barbara Moran, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024 While different religions and ancient cultures had described the planet as animate for eons, Lovelock’s contemporaries in the scientific community were more apt to shun this notion, preferring a Darwinian stance that species adapted to their environments, but not vice versa. Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024 These 30-minute sessions of mind-body exercises (Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) can be adapted for people of all abilities and are meant to be practiced alongside the various fragrances of the surrounding landscape. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 Then, Miller and his team select a story idea, and the writer comes back with a short story that the episode’s final writer adapts into a screenplay by the episode’s final writer. Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adapt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • What changed with eSTAR? With these evolving expectations, the FDA has also adjusted its enforcement mechanisms.
    Mike Kijewski, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Jason Kelce is still adjusting to life in front of a camera!
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The company’s team, composed of experts in SEO, content creation, and digital marketing, ensures that clients receive specialized attention tailored to their industries and target demographics.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The business passed to Vincenzo’s son Cesare who studied in Turin at one of the city’s most prestigious tailoring schools and then returned to Naples and the family business.
    Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As the rigid contours gradually conform to your foot shape, these shoes get more and more comfortable over time.
    Samson McDougall, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
  • The representatives noted that the owner had full intentions to work with the city to conform to the community’s needs.
    Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Narcissistic bosses have a habit of rewriting history to suit their narrative.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Cookie kits are an easy way to spread holiday cheer and can be created to suit the tastes of sophisticated adults and youngsters alike.
    Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The refusal to vacate has put the county in untested legal waters.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
  • After putting his 7-year-old niece in an upstairs bedroom, Corcoran loaded his semiautomatic rifle and fatally shot his brother, his brother's two friends and Turner.
    Joseph Dits, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near adapt

Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

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