Synonyms of adopt

adopt

verb

ə-ˈdäpt 

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

• borrow
• embrace
• cultivate
• assimilate
• take up
• follow
• take on
• espouse
• incorporate
• utilize
• use
• imitate
• pick up on
• copy
• appropriate
• absorb
• usurp
• foster
• domesticate
• take over
• honor
• raise
• cherish
• heed
• naturalize
• affect
• simulate
• quote
• treasure
• nurture
• pretend
• arrogate
• assume
• prize
• put on
• bring up
• rear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abandon
• relinquish
• surrender
• forsake
• give up
• reject
• renounce
• disown
• abjure
• repudiate
• spurn
• discard
• jettison
• throw away
• throw out
• abnegate
• junk

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

Recent Examples of adopt

In the story, Araujo plays Laurentina, a young Mozambican woman adopted by a Portuguese-Brazilian couple and raised in Brazil. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026

The historic area was first governed by a special planning document adopted by Sacramento County 15 years before Elk Grove incorporated in 2000. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

As more how-to content circulates online, expect renters and first-time homeowners to adopt the look without major investment. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

In 2022, Coronado adopted a Climate Action Plan that seeks, by 2030, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city by 39% below 2016 levels. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2026