ESPOUSE Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

espouse

verb

i-ˈspau̇z

Definition of espouse next

as in to marry

to give in marriage a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

as in to adopt

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) after working among them for two years in the Peace Corps, she felt compelled to espouse the peasants' cause for social justice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Assad, a member of the Alawite religious minority, officially espoused a secular ideology. —

ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 The tension in boys flag football About seven miles away from where the Lick-Wilderming boys are running routes and espousing the value of flag football, the NFL prepares for the inaugural Super Bowl-week Pro Bowl. —

Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 Let’s continue the fight and the push at all levels to espouse the true benefit and value of these plans. —

Torie Bosch, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026 Although anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests continue at Targets and cities across the country, and celebrities continue to espouse anti-ICE rhetoric, more than two-thirds of Americans think local and state authorities should be cooperating with federal officials. —

Elaine Mallon, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for espouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse

Verb

This is an anniversary meal, an impress-the-in-laws, an ask-him-to-marry-you sort of place.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, before welcoming daughters BIllie and Georgia, 14.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026