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 The Trump administration is also unwinding another key tool of American soft power: the country’s espousal of liberal democratic values. Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025 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 He has been both praised and widely criticized for his espousal of the necessity of traditional gender roles. David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023 First elected to Congress in 2020, Greene drew criticism for her espousal of extremist beliefs and using racist and antisemitic rhetoric. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Jan. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
  • Ozzy Osbourne is survived by six children from two marriages.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Love Is Blind has produced several marriages since premiering in 2020.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As Band Executive Council treasurer, Nicolas advocates for program-wide engagement and proposes new ideas to create welcoming, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for all members.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Fully remote workers have the highest levels of engagement but are less likely to be achieving work-life balance, Gallup says.
    Bob Helbig, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In one of the film’s most poignant moments, the two organize a last-minute wedding ceremony on a rooftop at sunset, attended only by the couple, three friends and their dog.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
  • As an actor, Borelli has been back on Grey’s once since his exit as Levi attended BFF Jo’s (Camilla Luddington) wedding to Link (Chris Carmack) in the penultimate episode last season.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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