adaptable

adjective

ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl How to pronounce adaptable (audio)
Definition of adaptablenext
1
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things an activities director who's adaptable to any kind of situation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed the caterer's menu is adaptable to specific dietary needs, such as vegan, kosher, or low-fat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective adaptable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adaptable are ductile, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When is it sensible to use ductile instead of adaptable?

While in some cases nearly identical to adaptable, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When would malleable be a good substitute for adaptable?

In some situations, the words malleable and adaptable are roughly equivalent. However, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

In what contexts can plastic take the place of adaptable?

The words plastic and adaptable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

When can pliable be used instead of adaptable?

The synonyms pliable and adaptable are sometimes interchangeable, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When is pliant a more appropriate choice than adaptable?

The meanings of pliant and adaptable largely overlap; however, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

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 adaptable The display also sports an adaptable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. —PC Magazine, 10 July 2025 In the mattress world, innerspring mattresses tend to be the coolest by design, but foam mattresses are the most popular type thanks to their adaptable feel and relatively inexpensive materials. —Korin Miller, Flow Space, 9 July 2025 Stay curious, stay adaptable and most importantly, keep an open mind. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 July 2025 This shirt dress can easily be worn to a beachside dinner or as a poolside coverup, and shoppers love it for its smooth, breezy material, adaptable style, and relaxed yet stylish fit. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adaptable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptable
  1. versatile
  2. flexible
Adjective
  • This outfit feels like my ultimate travel uniform—relaxed, versatile, and ready for the heat.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • Terra-cotta Tiles Terra-cotta tiles are rich, rustic, and wonderfully versatile.
    — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Compared to most other garden crops, carrots are relatively flexible about their lighting needs and grow in either full or part sun locations.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
  • This entails the focus on more flexible work arrangements and challenges the more deeply rooted traditional relationships between employees and employers.
    — Bankim Chandra, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of flexible

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adaptability
adaptable
adaptation
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Cite this Entry

“Adaptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptable. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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