adapt

verb

ə-ˈdapt How to pronounce adapt (audio)
Definition of adaptnext
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

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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 People adapt their travel plans as Europe drives Americans – and global travelers in general – away due to rising costs. —Food Drink Life, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025 Currently the Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi edition earphones will only work with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone, but the company promises that more models will be adapted for 4.2 Mbps lossless audio in the future. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2025 If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) After the incredible Oscar-winning Moonlight, Barry Jenkins adapted James Baldwin’s stirring love story. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025 With a real-time view of how work is evolving, organizations can adapt faster to change. —Eric Mosley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
  1. adjust
  2. tailor
  3. conform
  4. suit
  5. put
Verb
  • What makes this product truly unique is its innovative technology – the formula starts off as a grey tint, then adjusts to seamlessly match your skin tone, providing a flawless finish.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
  • That doesn’t make sense [now] so people will adjust.
    — Rachel Ringler, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of adjust
Verb
  • The first is to tailor rapid rearmament to the idea of sending a large military force to Ukraine to guarantee a peace settlement and if necessary fight Russia there.
    — Anatol Lieven, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For years, this was achieved at the expense of privacy, with cookies and other tracking mechanisms mining personal data to tailor ads.
    — Mike Villalobos, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of tailor
Verb
  • Such policies may compel Muslim employees to choose between adhering to their religious values or conforming to professional standards that do not reflect their cultural and religious identity, potentially leading to perceptions of unprofessionalism.
    — Aparna Rae, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor.
    — Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of conform
Verb
  • Gaga’s powerful delivery propels the track forward, but in the second verse, the production contracts to suit Ariana’s gentle coo.
    — Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • To juxtapose the silhouette, wear them with suiting, denim, dresses, and silk.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of suit
Verb
  • Yemeni coffeehouses put an emphasis on the aesthetics of the space.
    — Hira Qureshi, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This time, Lowe was in his front yard, putting his kids in the car with his parents.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of put

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“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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