1
as in marrying
to give in marriage
a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in proposing
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
as in adopting
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of espousing
Conservatives have been decrying identity politics for years, and liberals have been just as vigorously espousing them as key to winning races.
—
Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The actress, who rose to fame for her role as Hermione Granger across the series' eight movies, had previously spoken out in support of trans rights after Rowling first began espousing anti-trans rhetoric in 2019.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Conservatives have been decrying identity politics for years, and liberals have been just as vigorously espousing them as key to winning races.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Thanks for coming on here and espousing all of this knowledge.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
No More Excuses Firms espousing these value creation principles generally outperform profit seekers—without the harm.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
However, not all demonstrations espousing hate speech are legal.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 13 June 2025
The prospect of a Catholic nun creating bold graphic silkscreens espousing the era’s peace and love ethos proved irresistible.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The idea that advocating membership in the EU and espousing a vague set of socially liberal values is counter-cultural would have seemed crazy a few years ago.
—Anand Menon, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2019
Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The actress, who rose to fame for her role as Hermione Granger across the series' eight movies, had previously spoken out in support of trans rights after Rowling first began espousing anti-trans rhetoric in 2019.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Conservatives have been decrying identity politics for years, and liberals have been just as vigorously espousing them as key to winning races.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Thanks for coming on here and espousing all of this knowledge.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
No More Excuses Firms espousing these value creation principles generally outperform profit seekers—without the harm.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
However, not all demonstrations espousing hate speech are legal.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 13 June 2025
The prospect of a Catholic nun creating bold graphic silkscreens espousing the era’s peace and love ethos proved irresistible.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
The idea that advocating membership in the EU and espousing a vague set of socially liberal values is counter-cultural would have seemed crazy a few years ago.
—Anand Menon, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousing
Verb
-
After marrying in 2006, the couple welcomed two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, who are now 17 and 14.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
-
After marrying fellow detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) and stepping up as Hank's right-hand man, Jay is sent to Bolivia to assist the army with taking down a cartel.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Here, grizzlies don’t equate people with food—as opposed to populated areas where alluring smells forge a connection—and have learned to tolerate humans, thanks to decades of naturalists adopting nonthreatening practices.—
Susan Portnoy,
AFAR Media,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Despite higher long-term costs, the upfront expense of adopting a pet has actually decreased since 2024.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Similarly, Luca Stefano used a mohair fabric with a dark-mustardy finish for his LS35A sofa, embracing the earthier side of metallics.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
-
These travelers are embracing extreme day trips.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By Erin Hudson, Bloomberg A private school in Hillsborough is borrowing $26 million in muni bonds to modernize the historic mansion that stands as the picturesque centerpiece of the campus.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The council had previously discussed borrowing up to $11 million, and received approval for a loan in that amount.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Espousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousing. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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