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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adopt These realities of New York politics partly reflect the state’s constitution, originally adopted in 1777, which devolved some but by no means all powers of self-government to the city. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Idaho, Kentucky, and Indiana have adopted legislation to impose work requirements this year, according to KFF. Solcyré Burga, Time, 30 June 2025 The Bulls have adopted a longer scope on their current issues — again, refer back to their 2026 goals — which means this could be a stopgap compromise for the frontcourt. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 Pharmaceutical companies have adopted QR technologies for medication tracking from manufacturer to patient, ensuring authenticity and preventing counterfeits. Swati Tyagi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
  • The concept borrows from Franco American journeys like the SS Île de France, which used to cross the Atlantic from Le Havre, France, to New York between 1927 and 1958.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • However the fund, which had been struggling to pay claims prior to the pandemic, was soon exhausted, and the state borrowed about $20 billion from the federal government to keep benefits flowing.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The post featured photos of Tallulah embracing her dad, as well as Bruce and Tallulah's fiancé Justin Acee, posing for a joyful photo together.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Anticipate and embrace the fact that there will be challenges that need to be navigated with transparency and diplomacy.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adopt

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