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 next

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

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 Coin Heist, adapted from Elisa Ludwig’s YA novel, follows in the footsteps of The Breakfast Club by uniting high schoolers who otherwise wouldn’t give each other the time of day: a hacker, the headmaster’s slacker son, a football phenom on a scholarship, and an uptight brainiac. —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025 The reassuring—and less reassuring—news Despite the fact that the virus mutated in the patient, the CDC scientists say that scenario is slightly more reassuring than if a version of the virus that is more adapted to human infection was found in wild birds or chickens. —

Alice Park, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025 This diversity helps corals better adapt to rising ocean temperatures. —

Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Jan. 2025 Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to rewire itself means that actionable feedback helps leaders adapt, evolve, and strengthen new habits over time But not all feedback is equal. —

Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adapt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt

Verb

When the policy was announced, USCIS estimated that over two-thirds of non-citizens without legal status but were married to U.S. citizens were not eligible to apply to adjust their status previously.

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
He’s cooled a bit now that NHL opponents have identified him as one of the Blue Jackets’ top weapons, and he’s being challenged to adjust.

Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025