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

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as in to propose

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

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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

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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

Examples of espouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In doing so, Trump formally welcomed back into his orbit a candidate who espouses conservative viewpoints to the right of his own and who has mounted attacks on his rival’s personal and religious background that fellow Republicans have criticized as racist. —

Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 30 July 2024 In order for consumers to purchase items espousing the utility of AI, brands need to first assuage anxieties around the technology. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2024 Grand Reserve Puerto Rico espouses a true vacation vibe. —

Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2024 The violent rhetoric regularly espoused by Trump and the Republicans who support him, however, may be even more inflammatory than many pundits acknowledge. —

Lilliana Mason, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for espouse

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'espouse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Espouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espouse. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 6 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of espouse

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