ADOPT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adopt

verb

ə-ˈdäpt

Definition of adopt next

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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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

Examples 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 All the states adopted the measures by 2-1 margins or better. —

Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 The first generation of actual A.I. devices is adopting the cozy aesthetic, too. —

Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024 That kind of friendliness requires adopting the clichéd feel-goodery inherent in many group fitness classes. —

Mikala Jamison, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024 Hollywood has been quick to adopt Bluesky, particularly with the entertainment industry’s aversion to the political views of Musk, the billionaire oligarch who is a vocal supporter and financial backer of Donald Trump. —

Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adopt