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 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 See All Example Sentences for espousal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
  • Instead of fighting with Whitney, Lindsay has a talk with Yvonne about how Lindsay ruined Yvonne’s wedding by making it all about her.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, worried about the attention a church wedding might attract, instead rented Madison Square Garden for their nuptials.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Ashley Smith is the manager of player engagement for the NFL, and the siblings are close.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • Swift and Kelce announced their engagement after two years of dating in a joint Instagram post last August.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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