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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Scorsese’s public espousal of this technology marks the latest shift in attitude about AI from powerful Hollywood creatives. Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 Even China’s espousal of free trade is closely tied to its status as a manufacturing juggernaut. Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
  • According to Pambianchi, the pair had recently attended a wedding in South Carolina, where Schmidt was kicked out of a bar for fighting.
    Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
  • Brad Paisley shared a few details surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding held at Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan earlier this month.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Prioritizing safety and engagement The real dancers, movers and shakers need to feel safe doing so, said Love.
    Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Participants at the symposium also explored athletics, adult learners, career readiness, federal policy, international partnerships, alumni engagement, and philanthropy across the African continent.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster