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

The mayor's budget team also claimed during budget hearings that the spending plan adopted by the mayor's rivals relied on overly optimistic revenue projections, and could force potential layoffs of city workers before the end of the year. —Chris Tye, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

Sandy Springs joins Milton as the second North Fulton city to recently adopt such a measure, citing a new state law from last year. —Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Mercerat and Suter said the mid-market, which handles larger volumes, will likely drive this shift and enable lower-volume brands to adopt these innovations. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026

The plan consists of five policy actions, some of which have already been rolled out, that do not require the board to adopt a formal ordinance or resolution. —Alan Kozeluh, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026