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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embrace differ from other similar words?

The words adopt and espouse are common synonyms of embrace. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

embraced the customs of their new homeland

When could adopt be used to replace embrace?

The meanings of adopt and embrace largely overlap; however, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature.

forced to adopt new policies

Where would espouse be a reasonable alternative to embrace?

The synonyms espouse and embrace are sometimes interchangeable, but espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes.

espoused the cause of women's rights

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 embrace
Verb
New York’s historic role as a global leader in finance compels us to act decisively, to embrace crypto, and to secure our state’s economic future. Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Vela embraced living in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles immediately embraced him back. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
Paresh Dave The Privacy-Friendly Tech to Replace Your US-Based Email, Browser, and Search Thanks to drastic policy changes in the US and Big Tech’s embrace of the second Trump administration, many people are moving their digital lives abroad. Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025 What Thornton is striving toward, an embrace of generosity, of humanity being able to change what faith and religion even mean, is often moving. Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for embrace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace
Verb
  • After the Mass, while meeting with dignitaries and world faith leaders, the pope broke protocol to hug his brother.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
  • The extra weight is believed to help calm the nervous system, mimicking the feeling of being hugged and promoting a sense of security and relaxation.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Williamson shared an Instagram Stories selfie with Hudson, who had her arms wrapped around the celebrity chef’s shoulders.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Outdoors, the residence stuns with an oversized private terrace that wraps around two sides of the penthouse, and is outfitted with a bioethanol fire pit surrounded by outdoor seating and a dining area under a pergola.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • In 1985, the Ohio Legislature adopted it as the official state rock song.
    Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • But some hotel chains and cities in the Charlotte region have started adopting policies to curb people from staying at hotels long-term.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Blue Origin personnel were soon on hand to inspect the vehicle, open the hatch and welcome the NS-32 crewmates home.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 31 May 2025
  • Some were eager to capitalize on the uncertainty facing international students in the U.S. Hong Kong's leader John Lee told lawmakers on Thursday that the city would welcome any students who have been discriminated against by American policies to study in the city.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The impressive ensemble cast also includes Regina King, Margaret Qualley, Amy Brenneman, Liv Tyler, and Ann Dowd.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Those include any felony that resulted in state prison, most other felonies on their record in the previous 15 years, and some high-level misdemeanors within the last five years.
    Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • These patterns help the snake blend seamlessly into the surrounding foliage.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Others are sleeping in tents surrounded by the rubble of their former homes, fearful to leave in case they are forced out of Gaza.
    Sarah-Grace Mankarious, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Success here builds acceptance and enthusiasm for more advanced implementations. 8.
    Andrew Mawson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Changes His Mind About COVID Vaccine Approximately 61 percent of respondents reported a fair amount of acceptance for people who are gay or lesbian, and roughly 52 percent said the same regarding bisexual individuals.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Rhode launched in 2022, quickly gaining a foothold with Gen Z through its skincare, lip balms, and viral phone case.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 29 May 2025
  • But as college sports hurtles toward revenue-sharing and a new era of athlete compensation, the faculty’s traditionally modest foothold is all but gone.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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