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

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

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 This kind of financial mindset involves trust — in yourself, in your systems, and most importantly, in your ability to adapt if or when your financial circumstances change. —Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 Creditors costars Maggie Siff and Justice Smith in the play written by August Strindberg and adapted by Jen Silverman. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Longevity in this business favors those who stay calm, adapt, and keep moving. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025 But its adoption isn’t instantaneous, giving us time to adapt and find ways to balance innovation with workforce stability. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adapt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapt
  1. adjust
  2. tailor
  3. conform
  4. suit
  5. put
Verb
  • The post resonated with many developers who felt the company had sacrificed quality, choosing to artificially cap capabilities rather than adjusting their pricing model to reflect true costs.
    — Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The federal government argues the states can adjust their individual budgets.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of adjust
Verb
  • Medications, vitamins and supplements are tailored to each person’s unique needs.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some malls have survived by taking on new lives as entertainment and lifestyle hubs, and by tailoring themselves to fill specific niches.
    — Jeremy Duda, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of tailor
Verb
  • Read more Polis threatens to veto bill addressing sentencing disparities between Colorado’s state and municipal courts Gov. Jared Polis has threatened to veto a bill that would mandate Colorado’s municipal courts conform to state sentencing guidelines, the bill sponsors said.
    — The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025
  • These farmers and winemakers have often resisted efforts by bigger businesses to absorb their holdings, or entreaties by marketing agencies to simplify their output or conform to popular styles.
    — Eric Asimov, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of conform
Verb
  • And with tailored workouts to suit all abilities Hydrow gives you every chance to build fitness and stay motivated.
    — Chris Haslam, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Your piercer will give you a quick consultation to discuss options, possible concerns, and the best jewelry to suit your navel, then direct you to get comfortable on the piercing table.
    — Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of suit
Verb
  • Quality control is highly inconsistent, and customer service can be…frustrating, to put it nicely.
    — Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, the act of putting a mask on in and of itself feels like peak self-care.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of put

Browse Nearby Words

adamantine
adapt
adaptability
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Cite this Entry

“Adapt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapt. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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