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 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
  • Nelly and his wife, Ashanti, were both guests at Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce earlier this year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The groom, who is close enough in age to feel more like a cousin, sends them on a quick errand that turns into a string of misadventures, leaving the trio at risk of missing the wedding altogether.
    — Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Yes, a giant hand, crafted to resemble her own down to her veins and her engagement and wedding rings, plus a vampy berry manicure!
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026
  • With all this attention showered onto us voters, one can be forgiven for holding the faint hope that the candidates truly care about our ideas and yearn for our engagement.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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