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
  • Their son, Monty, was born in 2017, with each having one child from their previous marriages.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Off-screen, many of them have been in marriages for almost the same amount of time.
    Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • When financial well-being is naturally built into the employee journey, engagement grows without forcing it.
    Marthin De Beer, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The couple announced their engagement in June 2024 after attending mutual friend Charli xcx's Brat show in Brooklyn, with Gabbriette sharing photos of herself wearing an engagement ring featuring a black gem surrounded by pavé diamonds.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Meeting space, which is also popular for weddings, is another distinctive amenity.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Donna hosts Sophie’s wedding with the help of her friends, Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters), while Sophie cooks up a plan of her own.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 19 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 26 Jul. 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!