as in adjusting
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
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Recent Examples of adapting
While new media have become part of journalists’ everyday workflow, the constant evolution of digital platforms poses ongoing challenges in adapting to new tools and managing the pressures of constant connectivity.
—
Kirstin Pellizzaro, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The spotlight is going to be on offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his new scheme, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts adapting to the new scheme and making improvements in 2025, but the Eagles have added explosive rookies who can create separation and make plays in the open field.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The email said Rhimes was interested in adapting her book.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Now, Simpson gets to sit behind one of the NFL's best veteran quarterbacks, learn the position while adapting to life in the NFL, and not face immediate pressure to succeed.
—Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While there are not a lot of players who are capable of adapting to any kind of role and heft of scoring load, there are better perimeter operators out in the market.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
While more distressed and high-vacancy buildings are being targeted for multifamily conversion, Iltis pointed to 1900 Lawrence, a 30-story tower in Denver’s Central Business District, an example of how new office buildings are adapting to what workers and companies may seek these days.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
According to the zoo, the baby pudu is adapting well.
—Ryan Brennan
april 24, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Chozick is adapting the novel into a film with producer Brad Weston and Fifth Season and has three series in development at Apple and Netflix.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
Kirstin Pellizzaro, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The spotlight is going to be on offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his new scheme, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts adapting to the new scheme and making improvements in 2025, but the Eagles have added explosive rookies who can create separation and make plays in the open field.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The email said Rhimes was interested in adapting her book.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Now, Simpson gets to sit behind one of the NFL's best veteran quarterbacks, learn the position while adapting to life in the NFL, and not face immediate pressure to succeed.
—Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While there are not a lot of players who are capable of adapting to any kind of role and heft of scoring load, there are better perimeter operators out in the market.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
While more distressed and high-vacancy buildings are being targeted for multifamily conversion, Iltis pointed to 1900 Lawrence, a 30-story tower in Denver’s Central Business District, an example of how new office buildings are adapting to what workers and companies may seek these days.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
According to the zoo, the baby pudu is adapting well.
—Ryan Brennan
april 24, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Chozick is adapting the novel into a film with producer Brad Weston and Fifth Season and has three series in development at Apple and Netflix.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adapting
Verb
-
Start the conversation, make your point clearly, and let the response shape what happens next instead of adjusting midstream.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In the clinical trials, most of these problems have been managed by adjusting the dose or adding supportive medications.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Furthermore, new media have led to an abundance of information sources and communications, which, in turn, has led to niche marketing and polarization of content, in some cases with news organizations tailoring their content to liberal or conservative audiences.—
Kirstin Pellizzaro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
According to a Dallas College spokesperson, the Ford ASSET program is one example of the strong partnerships the school has built with local employers, tailoring curriculum to match workforce needs.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At that time, the owners, and the development team committed to file a conforming site plan application within one year of the approval, which deadline the Zoning Board extended in March 2025 to November 5, 2025.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of imitating other instruments and conforming to conventional musical ideas, Buchla (and Ciani) set out to create a paradigm based on harnessing the flow of electricity itself.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Tucker’s starting to find his way as far as putting the barrel on the ball.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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The Senate Banking Committee advanced Kevin Warsh’s nomination along party lines on Wednesday, putting him on track for confirmation before Powell’s term as chair ends May 15.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Design can help with that, starting with accessories that keep your brush head far from the orange grime that lines the sink while simply suiting your bathroom’s style.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
23 Feb. 2026
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Only Ralph could make tweed, velvet, fur pelts and suiting sexy and recognizable and stylishly sumptuous.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adapting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adapting. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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