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

Examples 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 The company line espoused culture, work ethic, accountability and being fits for their systems of offense and defense. —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2024 Musk does not appear to have espoused or even remarked on the theory and there’s no evidence to suggest it’s related to his new corporation. —

Sarah Emerson, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Kansas City, meanwhile, is ranked 29th at 38.9 percent (7-for-18), and Mahomes is saying some of the the same things Brock Purdy has espoused for weeks as the 49ers look to avoid point-blank field goals and score more touchdowns. —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 On October 7, 2024, Trump appeared on a right-wing radio show, again espousing his belief that genetic predisposition based on race determines a person’s capacity of intellect, tendency toward violence, and likelihood of success. —

Chadd Scott, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for espouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse

Verb

For the couple, who have been married since 1999, being on Bravo has given them the opportunity to show others how their family operates and supports one another.

Angel Saunders, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
In 2020, right before the pandemic hit, two federal agents visit the L.A. home of one of his closest buddies, who is married with three daughters.

Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024