adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tionˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
:something that isadapted
a newadaptation of an old recipe
specifically:a composition rewritten into a new form
a screenadaptation of a novel
2
:the act or process ofadapting
a process undergoingadaptation
:the state of being adaptedadaptation to changing circumstances
3
:adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
:adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
:modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment:a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism'sfitness or survival
adaptationallyadverb
Synonyms ofadaptation
Examples ofadaptation in a Sentence
His stageadaptation of the novel was a success. The film is anadaptation of a book of the same title. The insect's evolutionaryadaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf. a tool designed for easyadaptation
Recent Examples on the WebIt is based on the 2023 book of the same name by Jack Jordan, who has signed a development deal at 20th TV, with seriesadaptations of his novels Redemption (2024) and Deception (2026) in the works.—
Nellie Andreeva,Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026The stageadaptation is written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith and will be directed by Martin Constantine.—Hanna Wickes,Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026My issue isn’t with the liberties themselves—every goodadaptation takes its share of them.—Hannah Jocelyn,New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026One of the most recentadaptations of the novel, the 2011 version by Andrea Arnold, notably leaned into this aspect of the book by casting the multiracial James Howson as Heathcliff.—Wilson Chapman,IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026See All Example Sentences foradaptation
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.
Nellie Andreeva,Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026The stageadaptation is written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith and will be directed by Martin Constantine.—Hanna Wickes,Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026My issue isn’t with the liberties themselves—every goodadaptation takes its share of them.—Hannah Jocelyn,New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026One of the most recentadaptations of the novel, the 2011 version by Andrea Arnold, notably leaned into this aspect of the book by casting the multiracial James Howson as Heathcliff.—Wilson Chapman,IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026See All Example Sentences foradaptationWord History
Phrases Containingadaptation
Rhymes foradaptation
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.”Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
nounad·ap·ta·tionˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
:the act or process of adapting
b
:the state of being adapted
2
:adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
:adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
:change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also:a structure resulting from this change
3
:something that is adapted
especially:a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationallyadverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
nounad·ap·ta·tionˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
:adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
:adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
:modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compareadjustmentsense 1b
More from Merriam-Webster onadaptation
Nglish:Translation ofadaptation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com:Encyclopedia article aboutadaptation
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