Thesaurus

embrace

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of embrace

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to put one's arms around and press tightly

upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

2 to surround or cover closely

the stone walls that embrace the monastery serve to symbolize its function as a retreat from an unquiet world

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

curtain,
drape

embed
(also imbed),
encase

swaddle

Near Antonyms for embrace

3 to take for one's own use (something originated by another)

rap music came to be embraced by people who were far removed from the places where it originated

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

use,
utilize

Phrases Synonymous with embrace

pick up on

Near Antonyms for embrace

4 to receive or accept gladly or readily

the exchange student was gratified to be so quickly embraced by people of the small rural community

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

greet,
hail

Near Antonyms for embrace

5 to have as part of a whole

a course in social studies can embrace everything from sociology to civics and economics

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

bracket

admit,
receive

Near Antonyms for embrace

Antonyms for embrace

6 to form a circle around

a sleepy village embraced by low hills

Synonyms for embrace

Words Related to embrace

embrace

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of embrace (Entry 2 of 2)

1 as in acceptance, concession

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for embrace

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for embrace

2 as in hug, clinch

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for embrace

clinch,
hug

grab,
seizure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for embrace

Frequently Asked Questions About embrace

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