Synonym Chooser

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 Advertisement In May, the European Union adopted a new Black Sea Strategy, which comes down to establishing a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub tasked with monitoring and providing early warning of emerging threats and malign activities. Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025 The couple are parents to daughter Violet, 4, son Shackleton, 2, The couple additionally adopted their third child, son Bear, in 2024. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025 The runoff is scheduled for October 19, marking an unprecedented moment in Bolivia's electoral history since adopting its current constitution in 2009. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 The Board of Education is required to adopt a balanced budget proposal by Aug. 29. Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
  • Europe’s traditionally weaker economies have outperformed the core countries in recent years, and now nations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal as well as Greece can borrow at the same costs as France and Germany, a sign both of their strength and the European giants’ weakness.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • That includes those students with rich parents who didn’t borrow at all; of those who did borrow, 73% of dental students, 57% of medical and osteopathic students and 30% of law students borrowed more than the new $50,000 a year limit.
    Fiona Riley, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Promote and enact policies and practices that embrace adaptation and resilience.
    Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Dylan’s July 25, 1965, performance at the festival, which generated many jeers from spectators unwilling to embrace rock and roll, is being shown in the center’s Darby Family Screening Room.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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