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espouse

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of espouse

1 to give in marriage

a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter

Synonyms for espouse

Words Related to espouse

commit,
engage

2 to take as a spouse

heeded his father's advice to espouse someone with whom he had common interests

Synonyms for espouse

marry,
wed

Words Related to espouse

remarry

Near Antonyms for espouse

separate (from)

Antonyms for espouse

divorce

3 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 for espouse

Words Related to espouse

use,
utilize

Phrases Synonymous with espouse

pick up on

Near Antonyms for espouse

Frequently Asked Questions About espouse

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