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
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Recent Examples of adopt
The goal was to foster education in agriculture, particularly of new methods that established farmers (like the boys’ fathers) were hesitant to adopt.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
Some may opt for a bell-to-bell ban on device use, while others may adopt restrictions during classroom time only.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
While many Japanese fishers are trained in ike jime, the practice isn’t widely adopted in the US — and growing demand for humane harvesting techniques and high-quality seafood could generate appetite for the fish-killing robot.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Jackie is available as a foster or to adopt, and anyone interested should contact the Babylon Animal Shelter in Amityville, New York.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adopt
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
Some may opt for a bell-to-bell ban on device use, while others may adopt restrictions during classroom time only.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
While many Japanese fishers are trained in ike jime, the practice isn’t widely adopted in the US — and growing demand for humane harvesting techniques and high-quality seafood could generate appetite for the fish-killing robot.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Jackie is available as a foster or to adopt, and anyone interested should contact the Babylon Animal Shelter in Amityville, New York.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
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And sure, heartbreak is universal, but to borrow another phrase: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Olivia Rodrigo is currently one of its loudest voices (again, a compliment).—
Jessi Roti,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
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The 996 also felt cheap inside, borrowing interior trim from the Boxster—hardly fitting for a car with a base MSRP of $65,000 at the time.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Stragglers trickle in, pulling extra chairs from the supply closet, and embrace.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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In gaming, Sega’s getting in on the trend with a revival of its classic Shinobi series, and mainstream franchises like Assassin’s Creed have finally embraced the art of the blade.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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