Synonyms of adapt

adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt 

as in to adjust

to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation

it always takes freshmen a little while to adapt themselves to high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjust
• tailor
• conform
• suit
• put
• shape
• edit
• customize
• accommodate
• prepare
• fit
• acclimate
• acclimatize
• condition
• modify
• transform
• match
• alter
• fashion
• convert
• readjust
• establish
• bend
• equip
• doctor
• tune
• revise
• readapt
• pattern
• correct
• model
• harmonize
• attune
• rework
• regulate
• orient
• ready
• redesign
• orientate
• familiarize
• reclaim
• gear
• recast
• remake
• accustom
• reinvent
• train
• root
• acquaint
• reengineer
• recycle
• harden
• habituate
• settle
• prime
• rehearse
• refocus
• fine-tune
• remodel
• refashion
• rig
• redevelop
• toughen
• revamp
• inure
• redo
• square
• season
• naturalize
• rejigger
• refit
• phase
• make over
• register
• refigure
• habilitate
• fiddle (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misadjust

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adapt

Steven Teske and Joshua Williams This story is adapted by Guy Lancaster from the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas, a project of the Central Arkansas Library System. —Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2025

The book by Sachar was adapted into the 2003 movie starring Shia LaBeouf, Khleo Thomas, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, and Eartha Kitt. —Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Because the technology powering this deception is evolving quickly, HR leaders must adapt to keep fraud out of the hiring process. —Casey Marquette, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Professional leagues set their own revenue models, compliance regulations, and discipline regimes — and adapt quickly when circumstances change. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025

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