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

Absence Of Clear Business Outcomes The fastest way to waste an AI investment is to adopt it without a clear business outcome in mind. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Based on the recommendation of the Charter Review Committee, the council recently adopted three bills containing numerous charter revisions that will appear on the ballot for voter approval in November. — Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026

Though adding a pinch of salt is unlikely to impact your blood pressure, people with high blood pressure or those on a low-salt diet should discuss with a healthcare provider before adopting this trend. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026

The company said consumers continued to adopt the Switch 2 despite lower hardware sales than the year-ago period, supported by the release of new titles and other factors. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026