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 Other religions espouse similar concepts, such as karma in Hinduism, tzedakah in Judaism, or sadaqah in Islam. —

Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 The workshops would instill in executives and others at Seven & i the philosophy espoused by Mr. Drucker — that the purpose of a company is to serve its customers, not to maximize profits for shareholders. —

River Akira Davis, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Most of what’s in the film, especially the crimes and insidious ideology Mathews espoused, is, unfortunately, factual. —

Zach Baylin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 The actor previously came to the defense of Bill Murray, amid allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of Being Mortal, and Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, who frequently faces backlash for espousing anti-trans rhetoric. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for espouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse

Verb

Incorporating boxing into the video game could marry well with White’s push into the Sweet Science.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The exes, who rekindled their romance in 2021, married in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022.

— Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025