EMBRACE Synonyms: 274 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'embrace' differ from other similar words?

The words adopt and espouse are common synonyms of embrace . While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance. // embraced the customs of their new homeland

Q: When could 'adopt' be used to replace 'embrace'?

The meanings of adopt and embrace largely overlap; however, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature. // forced to adopt new policies

Q: Where would 'espouse' be a reasonable alternative to 'embrace'?

The synonyms espouse and embrace are sometimes interchangeable, but espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes. // espoused the cause of women's rights

embrace 1 of 2

verb

im-ˈbrās

Definition of embrace

as in to hug

to put one's arms around and press tightly upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to wrap

to surround or cover closely the stone walls that embrace the monastery serve to symbolize its function as a retreat from an unquiet world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to adopt

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) rap music came to be embraced by people who were far removed from the places where it originated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to welcome

to receive or accept gladly or readily the exchange student was gratified to be so quickly embraced by people of the small rural community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to include

to have as part of a whole a course in social studies can embrace everything from sociology to civics and economics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surround

to form a circle around a sleepy village embraced by low hills

Synonyms & Similar Words

embrace

2 of 2

noun

as in acceptance

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in hug

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embrace differ from other similar words?

The words adopt and espouse are common synonyms of embrace. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

embraced the customs of their new homeland

When could adopt be used to replace embrace?

The meanings of adopt and embrace largely overlap; however, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature.

forced to adopt new policies

Where would espouse be a reasonable alternative to embrace?

The synonyms espouse and embrace are sometimes interchangeable, but espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes.

espoused the cause of women's rights

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 embrace

Verb

What types of moves will Steen embrace that Armstrong may have shied away from and vice versa? — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Fashion people have long embraced one-pieces and bikini tops as tops in their own right, pairing them with everything from maxi skirts to cargo pants. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 July 2026

Noun

All of these tracks featured commercial instrumentation pulled from romplers, MIDI banks, and sample CDs—an unabashed embrace of sounds once considered tacky and undesirable. — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026 Although some companies may be shy about sharing their AI plans, big stars who don’t have to answer to others have been more open about their embrace of the new technology for storytelling. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for embrace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace

Verb

All of which hugs closely to the skin for a cologne that whispers rather than shouts.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
The restaurant posted a photo on Instagram of the 80-year-old actor hugging family member Zurella Lancarte.

— Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026

Definition of hug

Verb

Bursting with juicy mango and wrapped in a soft, pillowy haze, this IPA brings big Midway energy to every sip.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
The sandals are completed by delicate, adjustable ankle straps that wrap over the top of the foot and fasten with a buckle closure.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Definition of wrap

Verb

European consumers have lagged behind the rest of the world in adopting AC, due to high energy costs, expensive installation fees and restrictions on retrofitting the continent’s older buildings.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
The traffic restrictions added to a series of safety measures adopted in Old Sacramento after years of concerns about violence, large crowds and late-night activity in the historic district.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of adopt

Verb

The luxury hotel also plans to welcome the two other restaurants from the group.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Apple employees were banned after a raucous night of celebrations, but were welcomed back decades later when Marc & Rose Hospitality purchased the hotel in 2011.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Definition of welcome

Verb

Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services found 12 categories of abuse and neglect of the Gray children connected to Marcee, including inadequate food, shelter and medical care, director Candice Broce said in court.

— Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne and Lainey Reid took the win, extending a run that already includes the Women's Tag Team Championships and a victory over Brie Bella and Paige at Saturday Night's Main Event on July 18.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of include

Verb

Bone must be separated from surrounding rock millimeter by millimeter with a pneumatic chisel, whose needle gently breaks away rock while ultraviolet light reveals where the bone ends and the surrounding rock begins.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
The real estate firm looks at office markets in Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Definition of surround

Noun

On the other hand, brands are recognizing the impact creators can have on the acceptance and use of their products and services, but they are being forced to rethink whether one-off influencer campaigns are enough for the next phase of growth.

— Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Growing societal acceptance of and support for working mothers is part of that change, as is an NWSL collective-bargaining agreement featuring protections and provisions for mothers and childcare.

— PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of acceptance

Noun

Burmese pythons — destructive invasive snakes with few natural predators in Florida — have developed a new foothold outside the Everglades.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Tokenized stocks have helped cement crypto’s foothold on Wall Street over the past year.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 July 2026

Definition of foothold

Browse Nearby Words

embowers

embrace

embraceable

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Style

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of embrace

verb

noun

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