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 Karga Seven will adapt the sweeping historical book, which chronicles the world’s great dynasties across the entirety of human history, into a television series. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025 People often consider places like Buffalo, New York, Detroit and much of Ohio to be lower risk, said Kelsea Best, assistant professor at Ohio State University, who researches how people adapt to climate change. Laura Paddison, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 Global economic rules should be adjusted to allow for the break-up of monopolies, and more corporate regulation and global tax policies should be adapted to ensure that the rich pay their fair share, according to the charity. April Roach, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025 Adaptability And Resilience The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and IT leaders must be able to embrace change and adapt to new challenges. Abdulwahab Mohammed, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for adapt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • The Knicks also adjusted their offense to mitigate Daniels’ relentless full-court pressure.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025
  • So how can Johnson adjust his coaching to have success with Williams? 5.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • No matter your sport of choice, this list has the outdoor gear tailored to your winter pursuits.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In another example, Phoenix Children's and Philips Healthcare partnered to co-create innovative solutions tailored to pediatric imaging.
    Chandler Barron, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For example, a partner feeling pressured to conform to rigid roles (such as being the sole provider or primary caretaker) might experience frustration or resentment that spills over into the relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Djokovic is no stranger to a kind draw, and his first couple of matches conform to that pattern.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Somehow, the temperature ritual suited a farm boy from Missoula, Mont.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Additionally, the furniture style suits biophilic design—which connects the outdoors with home interiors—with its organic shape that nods to nature.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And so parents, many of whom cherish their children and want to show them love and affection, are forced to put them in nursing homes, sometimes hundreds of miles distant.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
  • This process essentially discharges the battery without allowing the electrons to be put to use.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025

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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 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

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