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
Those that haven’t signed the code of practice will still need to adhere to the requirements in the EU’s AI Act, which was adopted by the European Parliament last year, though most of the substantive requirements will be applicable by 2026.
—
John Kell, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
Hutcherson adopted his first pit bull while filming the first Hunger Games movie.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The Swains adopted a grandniece who became their only child, and at various times over the years, the couple had taken in two of Thelma’s brothers.
—Joshua Sharpe
august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025
That dog survived the shooting and was eventually adopted by MADACC staff.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adopt
John Kell, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
Hutcherson adopted his first pit bull while filming the first Hunger Games movie.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The Swains adopted a grandniece who became their only child, and at various times over the years, the couple had taken in two of Thelma’s brothers.
—Joshua Sharpe
august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025
That dog survived the shooting and was eventually adopted by MADACC staff.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adopt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
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Europe’s traditionally weaker economies have outperformed the core countries in recent years, and now nations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal as well as Greece can borrow at the same costs as France and Germany, a sign both of their strength and the European giants’ weakness.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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That includes those students with rich parents who didn’t borrow at all; of those who did borrow, 73% of dental students, 57% of medical and osteopathic students and 30% of law students borrowed more than the new $50,000 a year limit.—
Fiona Riley,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Promote and enact policies and practices that embrace adaptation and resilience.—
Joe Murphy,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Aug. 2025
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Dylan’s July 25, 1965, performance at the festival, which generated many jeers from spectators unwilling to embrace rock and roll, is being shown in the center’s Darby Family Screening Room.—
Gary Stoller,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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