espousal

noun

es·​pous·​al i-ˈspau̇-zəl 

 also  -səl

1

a

: betrothal

b

: wedding

c

: marriage

2

: a taking up or adopting of a cause or belief

Synonyms

• bridal
• marriage
• nuptial(s)
• wedding

Examples of espousal in a Sentence

the expected espousal of the Hollywood actor and the singing superstar should attract the elite of show business

considering how long her previous marriage lasted, she'd be wise to have an extended espousal

Recent Examples on the Web

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 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

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

Lev Tahor’s choice of Iran is perhaps connected to its espousal of anti-Zionism. —Asaf Shalev, sun-sentinel.com, 10 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for espousal

• arousal
• spousal

Kids Definition

espousal

noun

es·​pous·​al is-ˈpau̇-zəl 

 also  -səl

1

a

: wedding

b

: the act of becoming engaged : state of being engaged

2

: a taking up of a cause or belief as a supporter