Definition of espousenext
1
as in to marry
to give in marriage a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to propose
to take as a spouse heeded his father's advice to espouse someone with whom he had common interests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb espouse differ from other similar words?

The words adopt and embrace are common synonyms of espouse. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes.

espoused the cause of women's rights

In what contexts can adopt take the place of espouse?

The words adopt and espouse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature.

forced to adopt new policies

When might embrace be a better fit than espouse?

The synonyms embrace and espouse are sometimes interchangeable, but embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

embraced the customs of their new homeland

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 espouse Outlaw country to the core, the Illinois native espouses an uncompromising independence and social-justice righteousness missing from the Nashville mainstream — and feigned for appearance’s sake in related circles. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 Unfortunately, the Obama and Biden administrations pushed the reformist line (the Reformist line espoused by Rouhani and Khatami). Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026 These ethically complex practices around the beginning and end of life have always stirred controversy, but the conversation is heating up — just as some American political leaders are espousing eugenic ideas. O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026 Niccol has espoused the hopes of returning Starbucks to a cozy third space, away from the image of being a hurried pitstop to pick up a morning espresso, and toward 1990s nostalgia of lingering over a latte. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for espouse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse
Verb
  • The two were married for seven years and share a 6-year-old son, Shams.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The spouses married five years after striking up a conversation during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to W Magazine.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While the future of the IT workforce appears uncertain, its non-human partners are set to thrive as companies increasingly adopt new technologies.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Justice Sonia Sotomayor offered sharp commentary on Tuesday about the Supreme Court‘s recent rulings, claiming the high court has adopted several past dissenting opinions as new rulings.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Trump has instead embraced Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president, as the next leader, praising her cooperation as the United States begins to sell Venezuelan oil.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 16 Jan. 2026
  • For You Page fueling the resurgence—celebrities of all ages have eagerly embraced the trend, too.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That change would hinder millions of Americans from borrowing money, Cramer said, indicating a crash could occur if the companies had to stop lending.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
  • And remember that an informed, strategic and careful approach is always the right way to borrow money, but especially with a mortgage in today's unique economic landscape.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Espouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espouse. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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