1
2
as in engagement
the act or state of being engaged to be married
considering how long her previous marriage lasted, she'd be wise to have an extended espousal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of espousal
The actually existing transatlantic relationship has long been based on a common espousal of liberal democracy, built on the legacy of defeating fascism in World War II.
—
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
The tradition is an espousal of values, holding space for connection and unhurried conversation.
—Olivia Schellenberg, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2024
The 24-year-old is part of a community of women who have gained popularity — and notoriety — online for their espousal of what can feel like antiquated dating guidance.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2024
He has been both praised and widely criticized for his espousal of the necessity of traditional gender roles.
—David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Urged on by the president, whose espousal of conspiracy theories has only intensified in the waning weeks of his campaign, QAnon adherents are pushing such ideas into the conservative mainstream alongside more traditional issues like low taxes and limited government.
—Matthew Rosenberg, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2020
This meaning was intensified by the state’s staunch espousal of a unified French cultural and social identity, in opposition to multiculturalism.
—Time, 19 May 2021
First elected to Congress in 2020, Greene drew criticism for her espousal of extremist beliefs and using racist and antisemitic rhetoric.
—Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Jan. 2023
Spotify’s Joe Rogan controversy—with musicians and podcasters removing their material from the platform in protest of Rogan’s espousal of COVID vaccine misinformation—is exposing cracks in its content strategy.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2022
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
The tradition is an espousal of values, holding space for connection and unhurried conversation.
—Olivia Schellenberg, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2024
The 24-year-old is part of a community of women who have gained popularity — and notoriety — online for their espousal of what can feel like antiquated dating guidance.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2024
He has been both praised and widely criticized for his espousal of the necessity of traditional gender roles.
—David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Urged on by the president, whose espousal of conspiracy theories has only intensified in the waning weeks of his campaign, QAnon adherents are pushing such ideas into the conservative mainstream alongside more traditional issues like low taxes and limited government.
—Matthew Rosenberg, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2020
This meaning was intensified by the state’s staunch espousal of a unified French cultural and social identity, in opposition to multiculturalism.
—Time, 19 May 2021
First elected to Congress in 2020, Greene drew criticism for her espousal of extremist beliefs and using racist and antisemitic rhetoric.
—Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Jan. 2023
Spotify’s Joe Rogan controversy—with musicians and podcasters removing their material from the platform in protest of Rogan’s espousal of COVID vaccine misinformation—is exposing cracks in its content strategy.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
-
Get Curious About Who Your Partner Is Now One of the biggest reasons marriages feel stale is the illusion of familiarity.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
The book, which takes place in both the 1950s and present day, tells the story of Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo and her seven marriages — including one big secret.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Stranger Things: The First Shadow began stalking Broadway last week, selling out the first two previews of its engagement at the Marquis, grossing $433,725 for the pair of performances.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Adams said that already he’s met hundreds of people who celebrated engagements, anniversaries or birthdays there in the past.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Friends and family members at my 1981 wedding were impressed with my celebrity guest.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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Her skirt had two high slits, which exposed thigh wedding garters with dramatic long bows.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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