1
as in hugs
to put one's arms around and press tightly
upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in wraps
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adopts
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in welcomes
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in encompasses
to have as part of a whole
a course in social studies can embrace everything from sociology to civics and economics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in surrounds
to form a circle around
a sleepy village embraced by low hills
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 embraces
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026
Mayor Vi Lyles said Charlotte is a city that embraces innovation.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
But like ride-hailing company Lyft, which pitched itself as the friendly alternative to Uber’s aggressive expansion tactics more than a decade ago, Udio embraces its underdog status.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Total blending fully embraces grays for a more visible transformation.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026
This tiny house embraces the small living movement's humble roots by offering a towable home for two that doesn't break the bank.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
Weiss, who has served as bench coach throughout Acuña’s career, embraces having Acuña attack the opposing starting pitcher from the get-go.
—Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 22 Feb. 2026
Victor Wembanyama embraces any opportunity for the Spurs to test themselves against the NBA's other top teams.
—Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Feb. 2026
The aide, Colonel Dave Butler, a former infantry officer, is a longtime leader in Army public affairs (not a specialty Hegseth embraces) who worked closely with the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (whom Hegseth despises).
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Mike Varshavski, a family medicine physician and social media influencer, embraces live debate.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026
Mayor Vi Lyles said Charlotte is a city that embraces innovation.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
But like ride-hailing company Lyft, which pitched itself as the friendly alternative to Uber’s aggressive expansion tactics more than a decade ago, Udio embraces its underdog status.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Total blending fully embraces grays for a more visible transformation.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026
This tiny house embraces the small living movement's humble roots by offering a towable home for two that doesn't break the bank.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
Weiss, who has served as bench coach throughout Acuña’s career, embraces having Acuña attack the opposing starting pitcher from the get-go.
—Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 22 Feb. 2026
Victor Wembanyama embraces any opportunity for the Spurs to test themselves against the NBA's other top teams.
—Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Feb. 2026
The aide, Colonel Dave Butler, a former infantry officer, is a longtime leader in Army public affairs (not a specialty Hegseth embraces) who worked closely with the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (whom Hegseth despises).
—Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embraces
Verb
-
The district hugs a square mile, from Sixth to 23rd streets, from Ocean Drive on the Atlantic Ocean to Lenox Court near Biscayne Bay.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The twins’ mother, Trish Garbuzovas hugs her daughters after the championship event.—
Jason Getz,
AJC.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Caleb and Tarim's relationship is both incredibly sexy in very overt ways, but wraps that into the concept of Betazed's open sexuality and empathic ability.—
Matthew Razak,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The clip continues with Rihanna decking out an umbrella with sparkles and faux fur before bedazzling a pair of jeans, then wraps with Riot showing off the finished costume.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The proposal, approved on first reading on Tuesday night, would be implemented as soon as the end of March if the City Council adopts it on final reading, a vote that appears likely, given the lack of opposition now that Calvo holds the mayor’s office and has consensus support on the council.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
-
By calling itself an institute, the artist-run organization adopts the traditional markers of academic power while collapsing the hierarchies of collegiate critical theory and interdisciplinary studies programs.—
Catherine Taft,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Outside, Patrick Martinez welcomes guests with neon quotes supporting immigrant rights.—
Tyler Matthew Oyer
Feb. 27,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Nearly Natural Artificial Boxwood Spiral Topiary Tree Potted faux shrubs add height and interest to your porch, and a pair of topiaries flanking the front door or steps welcomes guests in style.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the compounding nature of trade friction and geopolitical risk is forcing a deeper shift—from short-term adjustments to structural resilience that encompasses both people and policies.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Unlike the Pro Football and National Baseball halls of fame, the Naismith hall encompasses men, women, amateurs and pros.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Nuclear excitement In terms of future growth, possibly the most excitement presently surrounds the company's work in nuclear energy.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The center console also features textured metal surrounds on the cup holders and media dial, adding a jeweled look and feel.—
Scotty Reiss,
Parents,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Some American viewers were pulled into it by a boring—and slightly embarrassing—poster of Harrison Ford, smirking in a suit, while a loyal Melanie Griffith clings to his shoulder and Sigourney Weaver, as befits her role of nemesis, gives a wicked smile.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That bite grows over the course of around 90 minutes until our shadow fully envelops the orb.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
1 Mar. 2026
-
What follows is an examination of Turner's baffling release from prison and the incredible sorrow that envelops the family after tragically losing a son and getting mired in a custody battle with the very person responsible.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embraces.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embraces. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
