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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adopt
Verb
  • Yes, bitcoin is a riskier asset than real estate, but the situation with borrowing against real assets is not a completely safe bet.
    Georgii Verbitskii, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • The scarf was oversized on Charlotte, sparking speculation that it could have been borrowed from one of her parents!
    Janine Henni, People.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Expect Ashmore and the AELTC to embrace strawberry fever yet again in 2026.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • During his 2024 campaign, Trump embraced podcasts as a key media strategy to reach audiences beyond traditional outlets, and made high-profile campaign appearances on podcasts hosted by comedians like Joe Rogan, Andrew Schulz, and Theo Von.
    Will Steakin, ABC News, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adopt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adopt. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adopt

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