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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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
  • Cole joined the group but later confessed everything to Kacie, who laughed it off, allowing the couple to move past the incident before their wedding.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps your cousin is having a tropical destination wedding, or your childhood best friend is tying the knot on a stylish country estate.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Thursday was the 61st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, and on Saturday, a nationwide organization made sure to honor that anniversary by increasing voter engagement, turnout, and education.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kat Ramkumar is an audience engagement intern with The Connecticut Mirror.
    Kat Ramkumar, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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