adaptation

noun

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
Definition of adaptationnext
as in adjustment
the act or process of changing something to fit a new use or situation a careful adaptation of the book for the silver screen could take several years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 adaptation If the dealmaking momentum was dizzying, the eventual movie adaptation development was anything but. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026 Other sessions tackle financing, low-budget filmmaking, adaptation and the increasingly urgent question of how filmmakers build careers beyond a debut feature. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 In distributed organizations, this often begins with small adaptations. — Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Then someone tells you there's a live-action film adaptation coming out. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptation
  1. adjustment
  2. adaption
Noun
  • Its quincunx to Saturn in your 9th House of Learning and Travel may highlight a budget, deadline, or long-term goal that needs a small adjustment.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Name the number, explain the why, and suggest one adjustment that helps security feel more mutual, not just managed.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of adjustment
Noun
  • Cross-cutting priorities focus on gender quality and climate change mitigation and adaption.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • Add the upcoming Neuromancer series to that list, an adaption of William Gibson’s hugely influential 1984 cyberpunk novel of the same name.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2026
Definition of adaption

Browse Nearby Words

adaptable
adaptation
adaptations
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Cite this Entry

“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptation. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on adaptation

Nglish: Translation of adaptation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adaptation

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