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 Such offenses are commonly prosecuted under voyeurism or invasion-of-privacy statutes, though some states have adopted laws specifically targeting upskirting. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Instead, as is typical under state regulations, the inspector relied on safety and testing data provided by Six Flags that showed X2 had once again met safety standards adopted by the state. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Following the 2014 guidance, many school districts shifted away from suspensions and expulsions, adopting restorative justice policies that prioritize dialogue over punishment. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 Meta doesn’t have to admit guilt and almost a third of the fine is contingent on competitors adopting similar measures. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adopt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt

Verb

The shadow default rate measures the percentage of cases where the terms of their loans are changed after the money has been borrowed, usually because the borrowing company has run into trouble.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Students in qualifying professional degree programs, such as law and medicine, can borrow up to $50,000 per year in federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, while other graduate students are generally limited to $20,500 per year.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of borrow

Verb

Audiences embraced the films for their creeping realism and slow-building scares, which transformed ordinary bedrooms, hallways and home security cameras into places where something terrifying might be lurking just outside the frame.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Nestled in nature, each of the 36 guest rooms embraces local craftsmanship with wood furnishings; soft lighting has a calming effect.

— Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of adopt

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