Definition of espousalnext
1
as in marriage
a ceremony in which two people are united in matrimony the expected espousal of the Hollywood actor and the singing superstar should attract the elite of show business

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2
as in engagement
the act or state of being engaged to be married considering how long her previous marriage lasted, she'd be wise to have an extended espousal

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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 espousal The Trump administration is also unwinding another key tool of American soft power: the country’s espousal of liberal democratic values. Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025 Supporting Yoon’s impeachment, Lee has also condemned Yoon’s unconstitutional abuse of martial law and espousal of election fraud conspiracy theory. Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 The actually existing transatlantic relationship has long been based on a common espousal of liberal democracy, built on the legacy of defeating fascism in World War II. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025 The tradition is an espousal of values, holding space for connection and unhurried conversation. Olivia Schellenberg, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2024 The 24-year-old is part of a community of women who have gained popularity — and notoriety — online for their espousal of what can feel like antiquated dating guidance. Angela Yang, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2024 He has been both praised and widely criticized for his espousal of the necessity of traditional gender roles. David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023 First elected to Congress in 2020, Greene drew criticism for her espousal of extremist beliefs and using racist and antisemitic rhetoric. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Jan. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
  • The women must navigate unraveling marriages, family secrets and personal demons—lean on each other or risk watching their sisterhood shatter forever.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Their lives are more fulfilled, their relationships are improved, their marriages are improved and their relationships with their kids are made much fuller and more vibrant and loving.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Of course, the look was finished with her chunky engagement ring—an 18-carat yellow-gold band with a two-carat diamond.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Royals fans, meanwhile, were quick to point out its design similarities to Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring, now worn by her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, which also features a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • By her wedding the following Labor Day weekend, her weight would be stable.
    Amber Gaudet Updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The former prince posed for photos with his family in celebration of his parent's 60th wedding anniversary in 2007.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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