Synonyms for

Adopt

Verb / ʌˈdɑ:pt / Another word for adopt — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to legally take someone else's child into your own family and take care of him or her as your own child

Synonyms & similar words

espouse takeon takein assume takeup borrow dramatise take embrace dramatize takeover follow acquire sweepup foster embrace accept raise rear nurture support sponsor champion espouse back promote encourage advocate approve endorse

Synonyms by register

Formal

embrace accept take on assume

Informal

take up go for pick up

Literary

espouse cherish

Antonyms

reject renounce disown abandon forsake relinquish

Common collocations

  • adopt a child
  • adopt a policy
  • adopt a stance
  • adopt a habit
  • adopt a strategy
  • adopt a plan
  • adopt a lifestyle

Word family

noun adoption
verb adopt
adjective adoptive

Usage note

While 'adopt' can mean to take something on or accept it, its most common meaning relates to legally taking a child into one's family. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. My aunt and uncle decided to adopt a baby from another country.
  2. The animal shelter is hoping that someone will adopt the little kitten.
  3. The family was so happy to finally adopt a child after years of trying.
  4. I would love to adopt a dog, but my apartment doesn't allow pets.
  5. Adopting a child can be a long and expensive process, but it is worth it in the end.

Quotes

  • Adopting one child won't change the world: but for that child, the world will change.
  • When you adopt a dog, you have a lot of very good days and one very bad day.
  • Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

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