ADAPT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt

Definition of adapt

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

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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

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 fantasy action series is adapted from the light novel by Minamino Umikaze, illustrated by Katana Canata and Jishaku. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 This flexibility is particularly relevant for unmanned and specialized maritime systems, where requirements can change quickly and production may need to adapt to specific operational needs. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 Transportation is ultimately about service, and customers count on experienced people who understand their freight and can adapt when conditions change. — Shelley Simpson, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Boyle helmed the movie from the script by Graham that adapts his own play of the same name. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt

Verb

When adjusting the texture, incorporate a teaspoon of flour or water at a time.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
The psychiatrist diagnosed her with insomnia and worked to adjust her medication.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjust

Verb

The fit strikes the right balance between relaxed and tailored — not too baggy, not too fitted — while the raw hem adds a modern, lived-in finish.

— Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
The itinerary can be tailored to personal interests, whether that means diving deeper into shamanic traditions or following HUNTR/X’s culinary tour through the city.

— Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of tailor

Verb

Those figures conform to those generated this year by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), an advisory panel for Congress, which found that the subsidies reduced average Part D premiums by $26 a month last year and $16 this year.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of conform

Verb

Whether that means a grass-grazing train, a full and feminine skirt, or an easy breezy sheath, there’s a backyard wedding dress sure to suit your style.

— Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Customers are encouraged to explore ingredients, ask questions and build routines that suit their own needs rather than following the latest trend.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of suit

Verb

Willy Adames and Rafael Devers singled to start the fourth against Melton, putting runners at the corners.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
As one University of Helsinki scholar of Chinese political economy put it, stablecoins can circulate beyond regulatory oversight, interfere with capital account management and complicate the central bank's control over settlement.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of put

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“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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