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 In the first half of the 1970s, the band’s members adopted such colorful stage names as Bert Camembert, Bloomdido Bad de Grasse and Hi T Moonweed. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 More than 50 other countries have already adopted the one-dose schedule, and many experts hoped that the United States might follow suit this year. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025 Graczyk later adopted the play for the big screen, with Robert Altman directing a cast that included Sandy Dennis, Cher, Karen Black, and other A-Listers, some of whom had appeared in the Broadway production. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 Online viewers quickly joined that call, offering to adopt, donate or help spread the word. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
  • The concept borrows from Franco American journeys like the SS Île de France, which used to cross the Atlantic from Le Havre, France, to New York between 1927 and 1958.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • However the fund, which had been struggling to pay claims prior to the pandemic, was soon exhausted, and the state borrowed about $20 billion from the federal government to keep benefits flowing.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The post featured photos of Tallulah embracing her dad, as well as Bruce and Tallulah's fiancé Justin Acee, posing for a joyful photo together.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Anticipate and embrace the fact that there will be challenges that need to be navigated with transparency and diplomacy.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adopt

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