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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  • In fact, research shows that people in more committed romantic relationship stages (or marriages) have fewer friends and are less likely to value the opinions of the ones who remain in their lives.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Anderson's divorce settlement with Burt Reynolds Of Anderson's four marriages, her union with Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994 was likely the most famous.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The show is most tolerable when opponents are equally matched, when each party understands the proper rules of engagement.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Corum shared a photo of the couple, posing with him and his bride, Samantha, along with their daughter at the wedding.
    Lisa France, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The nail color, which Gomez wore to the wedding alongside a red halter gown and matching bright red lip, is a gorgeous, earthy blend of mauve, beige, and brown tones.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!