embrace 1 of 2

Definition of embracenext
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embrace

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embrace differ from other similar words?

The words adopt and espouse are common synonyms of embrace. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

embraced the customs of their new homeland

When could adopt be used to replace embrace?

The meanings of adopt and embrace largely overlap; however, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature.

forced to adopt new policies

Where would espouse be a reasonable alternative to embrace?

The synonyms espouse and embrace are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 embrace
Verb
That has prompted more farms to embrace multiple business models to make ends meet. William Deffaa, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026 Elizabeth Dee, the founder of Independent — the 17-year-old art fair focused on artists making their New York debut — wanted to embrace the moment. Natalia Torija, Curbed, 14 May 2026
Noun
The embrace of optics is no different. Zev Fima, CNBC, 6 May 2026 Where to Drink As many soccer fans will tell you, cold beer is a crucial part of the beautiful game—especially within the fiery embrace of Dallas summer. Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for embrace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace
Verb
  • Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson star in the writer-director’s third feature film, which received a six-minute standing ovation on Wednesday night as Schoenbrun hugged their stars to roaring applause and cheers from the crowd.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • At one point, Schoenbrun mimicked smoking a joint and hugged their stars.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Michael Dale lay in his Escondido home with a plastic bag wrapped around his head and sealed with duct tape for at least eight minutes as Michaela Rylaarsdam, vibrator in hand, kept the cameras rolling, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed in San Diego Superior Court.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • My hero tenderly wrapped his snow-white daughter in a cravat; my heroine woke with a stab of fear, wondering where her stomach had gone.
    Eloisa James, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • It must be adopted by Tuesday, June 30.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The groups called for a moratorium on new data center development in order to allow local governments more time to adopt policies, investigate new zoning codes and hear community input.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The Fire were bolstered by a crowd of almost 20,000 eager to welcome the WNBA back to Portland for the first time in 24 years.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
  • To commemorate that anniversary, the Red Sox welcomed back some of the greatest players in franchise history.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The same day that the nanny allegedly beat Walter, other caregivers slapped and flogged his siblings, including with shoes and wooden sticks.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The variety includes Indian, regional Goan, Italian, international buffet, and a poolside venue.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Those bricks and stones surround the fountain.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The earbuds, which rely on cameras to see the space surrounding a user and provide information, are in advanced testing, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is still under wraps.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Baseman said the nearly 21-year-old character, named after his childhood crush, is an all-knowing keeper of secrets and represents acceptance.
    Iris Kwok May 12, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Except where prohibited, acceptance of Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s and Prize Provider’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • The local voting also provides an opening for smaller parties, independents and outsider candidates to gain political footholds that would be far harder to achieve in national parliamentary races.
    Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 8 May 2026
  • Any individual who lied during the naturalization process to gain a foothold in this country will be met with the full weight of the Department of Justice.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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