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

Then, in 1996, a group of virtuosos from its heyday adopted the name for themselves and for their Grammy-winning album. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025

On May 23, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare March 1 as World Seagrass Day. —Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Strickler explained that these panels are conservative about adopting change, but that the whole country is now moving in the direction of universal DPYD testing. —Ellen Matloff, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

But county officials supporting Haley’s proposal say adopting an earnings tax would allow the Unified Government to significantly reduce its mill levy and the fees tacked on to residents’ water and electricity bills. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025