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 The British eventually adopted harsh measures to end the revolt. Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 Many professors are already taking these steps themselves, but few schools have adopted such policies institution-wide. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2025 Culinary expert, author, mother, and Top Chef judge are just a few of the hats Gail Simmons wears, but recently she's adopted a new role: hospitality concierge. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025 As a result, many politicians have adopted these methods, too. David Rohde, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
  • Debt mismanagement – overextending yourself by borrowing too much money and high repayment terms.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Like its predecessor, Age of Imprisonment isn’t exactly a typical Zelda game, instead borrowing the design of musou series like Dynasty Warriors for hard-hitting combat against hordes of enemies.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, the industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to manage tariff risks, optimize logistics costs, and ensure pricing compliance across complex regulatory environments.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • And up in orbit, the Enterprise also embraces the fantasy vibe, deploying a Vulcan mind-meld to get Spock and Kirk piloting the Enterprise and Farragut, respectively, in telepathic unison.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adopt

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