ADOPT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'adopt' differ from other similar words?

The words embrace and espouse are common synonyms of adopt . While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature. // forced to adopt new policies

Q: In what contexts can 'embrace' take the place of 'adopt'?

Although the words embrace and adopt have much in common, embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance. // embraced the customs of their new homeland

Q: When might 'espouse' be a better fit than 'adopt'?

While in some cases nearly identical to adopt , espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes. // espoused the cause of women's rights

adopt

verb

ə-ˈdäpt

Definition of adopt

as in to borrow

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) shortly after moving to the U.S., the family dutifully adopted the American tradition of having turkey for Thanksgiving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb adopt differ from other similar words?

The words embrace and espouse are common synonyms of adopt. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature.

forced to adopt new policies

In what contexts can embrace take the place of adopt?

Although the words embrace and adopt have much in common, embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

embraced the customs of their new homeland

When might espouse be a better fit than adopt?

While in some cases nearly identical to adopt, espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes.

espoused the cause of women's rights

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 adopt However, everything changed when the couple decided to adopt a son. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026 The Unified Government Board of Commissioners is expected to adopt the final budgets for the city and county at the end of the month. — Sofi Zeman august 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 Milton and Roswell have already adopted moratoriums on new data centers, according to Fulton County. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 But the technology had changed significantly since Grass Valley adopted it. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adopt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt

Verb

The party responsible for repayment generally depends on when the debt was incurred, who borrowed the money, the type of account and applicable state law.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The overall product is called Dynamic Stability Assist (DSA), kind of borrowed that from the car industry.

— Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Whether leaders ultimately embrace all of Ries' conclusions or not, his larger message deserves careful consideration.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
With its fourth chapter, Reacher goes full neo-noir, embracing the genre’s fatalistic, gloomy approach while staying true to its action roots.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of embrace

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adolescents

adopt

adopted

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“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of adopt

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