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 The filing also highlights the company's ongoing efforts to manage costs and adapt to changes in the competitive landscape, particularly with the rise of low-earth-orbit satellite services. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 The remake transposes the story from the U.S. to Hong Kong, a region that has yet to fully reckon with the #MeToo movement, while adapting to today’s technology-dependent age. Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 The upcoming movie, which will chronicle Springsteen, 75, making his 1982 album Nebraska, is adapted from Warren Zanes' 2023 rock biography, Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. Charna Flam, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The ability to adapt, to pivot between passions and to see the connections between seemingly unrelated disciplines is the key to resilience, innovation and success. Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adapt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
Verb
  • Often the rookie spends several minutes adjusting their chair, finding the right eye relief, and remembering their shooting form before ever squeezing the trigger for that first dry fire.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024
  • In time, drivers were able to use touch screens in some models to adjust core car mechanics like traction control and even cycle between performance modes.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Something about the pairing of energies with dialogue that feels both recognizably tailored to a mass American TV audience and steeped in its own signature language flair.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024
  • The future outlook for pain relief appears promising as new trends point toward a move to better whole-person care that's more efficient and tailored to patients' needs.
    Dr. Anita Gupta, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The latter is used to ensure panels are secured properly, there are no gaps, and the finished car conforms to the CAD model it was built from.
    James Morris, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Give yourself breathing room and the strength and courage to do what’s best for you instead of conforming to someone else’s plan.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Different classes of fire extinguishers are suited for different types of fires and situations.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The cigars pair with high-end spirits such as Macallan single malt whiskeys and Louis XIII cognac, which are suited to each guest’s tastes and delivered to the mega-suites.
    Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The fact that China tolerated open criticism of North Korea’s leadership put further strain on the relationship between the two governments.
    Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Pearsall’s first career touchdown had put the 49ers ahead 7-0, once a replay confirmed Pearsall’s 46-yard catch-and-run.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 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 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adapt

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