Find Synonyms

adopt Synonyms

Another word for adopt

Choosing another word for adopt depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To legally take another's child and bring it up as one's own, or to take responsibility for a pet or animal.

Usage Example

"After years of waiting, the couple was finally approved to take in a baby girl."

Strong
take in
foster

• verb (Context 2)

To choose to take up, follow, or use an idea, method, policy, or course of action.

Usage Example

"Several major universities have decided to embrace the new admissions software next semester."

Strongest
embrace
take up
Strong
implement
espouse
accept
utilize

• verb (Context 3)

To assume or begin to display a particular attitude, tone, expression, or posture.

Usage Example

"The professor had to assume a firmer tone when the lecture hall grew too noisy."

Strongest
assume
take on
Strong
affect
put on

• verb (Context 4)

To formally approve or accept a report, resolution, law, or budget, typically by voting.

Usage Example

"The city council voted unanimously to ratify the revised environmental regulations."

Strongest
ratify
approve
enact
pass
Strong
endorse

Opposites of adopt

The opposite of adopt shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

veto
disown
reject
abandon
discard
vote down
repeal
forsake
See all opposites of adopt

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Adopt. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/adopt
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