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

Examples of adopt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The key is to use nude tones so as not to detract from the naturalness of the nail, although there can be variations in more pink or mauve tones, as well as some daring manicurists who choose to adopt this super shiny technique on top of all kinds of colors. —María Munsuri, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024

However, many areas have adopted the tradition of trick-or-treating on a separate night (like the Saturday before Halloween) for safety reasons. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024

In 1989, he was adopted by another couple, who were prosecuted in 1991 for charges of physical abuse and assault against foster and adopted children and found guilty in 1992. —Hanna Park, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Related Stories Companies that have adopted AI in their supply chain management have seen a significant reduction in costs and an improvement in delivery times. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024