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Recent Examples of adopt Watchdogs warn outdated agreements and missed four-year review deadlines leave newer threats like drones unaddressed, even as Homeland Security pledges to adopt reforms meant to better safeguard presidents and other high-profile protectees. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 More than 200 municipalities have adopted the Vision Zero approach, for instance, a public health focus on programs and environments that increase traffic safety for all ages. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Ten jobs opened, and not one went to a Black coach — the fifth time since the Rooney Rule was adopted that an entire hiring cycle produced no Black head-coaching hires — leaving the league with only three. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The couple’s audacious decision to adopt names that sound less foreign — and less Jewish — proves a smart strategy. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adopt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt

Verb

Historically, the Grand Sport has borrowed its design characteristics from the range-topping Z06, and that’s no different this time around.

— Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Large tech firms are also borrowing heavily to build out the data centers powering AI.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

With Howe stepping down and Matthias Jaissle, the 38-year-old German, replacing him, and with plans finally revealed for a new £190m training ground, Newcastle have embraced the shock of the new.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Pool companies, professionals and builders can embrace this consumer shift and provide an all-encompassing experience that defines what pool ownership will look like going forward.

— Jon Viner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of adopt

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