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

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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 Remaining true to the brand is fundamental to the expansion and focuses on the universal values of Roberto Coin as the brand adapts its collection presentation, experiences and client services for each local market. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 If successful, this could reduce the time and expense of adapting hypersonic technology to different mission requirements. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 For Buckley, adapting to that changing market began with recognizing how much True Religion’s own customer had changed. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 So here is a common sense approach the NFL should adapt to avoid these public relations black eyes – because the league gets a lot of coverage over national anthem performances that go awry. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt

Verb

By adjusting the distance between the tips, the team could stretch or compress the molecular structure, changing the voltage at which the current enhancement began.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Hackett said adjusting investments to reflect personal financial goals, changes in risk tolerance, or shifting income needs are good reasons to make changes.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjust

Verb

One Media Capital Fund was created to bridge this gap, by providing indie companies with financing tools tailored to the needs of the production sector and complementary to the country’s traditional bank credit options.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
Paltrow referenced recent findings on ice baths tailored specifically for women that support a more moderate approach.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tailor

Verb

Furthermore, many conventional devices use brittle, rigid materials that cannot easily stretch or conform to irregular surfaces, limiting their suitability for soft robotics and seamless biological integration.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
These bog bodies tell stories of a time when humans were sacrificed to the gods in bogs, as otherworldly margins between the human and divine realms, or when social outcasts met a cruel, violent end for failing to conform to societal standards.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of conform

Verb

After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Congress answered with the Air Commerce Act of 1926, which put the Commerce Department in charge of commercial flight.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of put

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“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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