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

There has also been debate for years among Texans and state legislators about whether the Lone Star State should adopt daylight saving time permanently. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026

The board adopted that recommendation on a 6-1 vote at its March 3 meeting. —Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 4 Mar. 2026

The Fourth Amendment was adopted specifically to prevent arbitrary searches, seizures, and intrusions into one’s home. —Amanda Cats-Baril, Twin Cities, 4 Mar. 2026

Boston’s home record (23-8-1) is as good or better than any team in the league outside of Colorado (22-4-4) but the Bruins need to find a way to adopt a road warrior mentality in the final month-plus of the season. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026