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 Charlie Kirk Act requires public colleges and universities in Tennessee to adopt policies that promote open debate and institutional neutrality. —Wztv Staff, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026

The council will have 30 days to decide whether to conduct a special election, place the initiative on the November ballot or adopt it as is. —City News Service, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026

When Renner later learned that many of the same 911 agencies that responded to his emergency had begun adopting RapidSOS technology, the investment decision became clear. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026

Last year, Tobacco Free Florida, an anti-smoking program with the state Department of Health, urged Seminole to adopt the state prohibitions into its parks rules. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026