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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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 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
  • More marriages mean more families in pews and more children raised in the faith.
    Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
  • After it was revealed that Robach and Holmes were an item in November 2022, both Shue and Fiebig left their respective marriages.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Their schedule includes a ceremonial military review, cultural engagements, a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence and bilateral meetings, with the King also set to deliver a rare address to a joint session of Congress — only the second by a British monarch.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Thompson, who wants the Spartans to emulate the stability and attendance of the National Lacrosse League as well as the Savannah Bananas’ fan engagement, hopes the team can eventually sell out the 10,000-seat Coliseum.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • News of the family's new dog comes on the heels of William and Kate's 15th wedding anniversary earlier this week.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • There was a great big wedding celebration and Chunhyang and Mongryong were together for all the years to come.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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