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embrace

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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
Getty Images This return of the bandana also reflects Gen Z's broader embrace of '90s and early 2000s trends and cultural symbols. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 There is no doubt that the world is adopting AI at an unprecedented pace—but for a full embrace from the business community, more work needs to be done. R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
At Ingram Elementary, families embraced as people lined up around the building and others loaded into an army-style truck. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 5 July 2025 Since then, as both brothers pursued solo careers, word of a reunion regularly surfaced, but neither Gallagher seemed to embrace the idea at the same time. Simon Perry, People.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for embrace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace
Verb
  • These Good Standard straight-leg jeans fit just loose enough for plenty of comfort without feeling too baggy and feature a contoured design to hug your waist with a relaxed fit on the lower half.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Michael Owen Baker/AP Photo Arturo Rangel hugs Judith Ramos whose father works at the greenhouse in the background as federal immigration agents block access during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.
    Amanda Castro Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The ear cups are wrapped in a woven cloth to give them a robust finish.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • What’s next: The majority of major companies will adopt synthetic data strategies by December.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • After a lengthy discussion on what to send back to the jury, Judge Subramanian adopted the language for the note proposed by the prosecution.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The 1978 acceptance letter that welcomed Ride as a member of NASA's Astronaut Group 8 — the first one in the agency's history to include women — brought $5,046.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 July 2025
  • Her husband died when their kids were young, but Mimi went on to welcome multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • While wedding planning, the pair was inspired by Alyssa's older sister, who included couples trivia at her reception.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Taco Bell crispy chicken tacos and burritos (AKA wraps) Earlier this summer, Taco Bell debuted a new lineup of crispy chicken menu items that include tacos and burritos after a successful trial with chicken nuggets.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • In addition to the deaths in Kerr County, 10 others died due to flooding in surrounding counties, according to officials.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 6 July 2025
  • This literary theme weaves its way throughout the property, which has a large garden surrounded by tall trees and flowers where guests can enjoy ordering from the restaurant and bar’s menu.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • With an acceptance rate of just 0.7% this year, the program is highly competitive and serves as a pipeline for permanent positions.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • The couple, considered icons of the country-western genre, welcomed and adopted five children together: Robin, Dodie, Sandy, Mimi and Debbie. Known for their compassion and acceptance of all kids — their own and others — Rogers and Evans set an example of helping the youth and always being kind.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • For the first time, exoskeleton technology is gaining traction and finding a strong foothold among individuals who want to walk and hike more, but could use that extra little push.
    Borislav "Bobby" Marinov, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Russell was plenty involved Saturday as Real Salt Lake found a foothold in the game deep into the first half.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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