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

Example 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 Copeland’s later political visibility also reflected a broader trend among charismatic and Pentecostal leaders in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, many of whom espoused Christian nationalism and became increasingly engaged in national politics. —

Rachel Cole, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026 Jim said Bank of America's negativity around Salesforce's AI positioning flies in the face of what CEO Marc Benioff has espoused. —

Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 18 May 2026 Since then, Brighton have invested shrewdly, signing players to fit the high-octane, fluid style of football that Vidosic has espoused. —

Megan Feringa, New York Times, 11 May 2026 And repetition – espousing the same ideas again and again – was an effective tactic. —

Yu-Ru Lin, The Conversation, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for espouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse

Verb

After weeks of small conversations, the two became close friends before eventually marrying in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
In the scene, Bonnie creates a wedding day sequence with Forky and Karen getting married.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 May 2026