1
as in marriage
a ceremony in which two people are united in matrimony the expected espousal of the Hollywood actor and the singing superstar should attract the elite of show business

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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

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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 espousal The Trump administration is also unwinding another key tool of American soft power: the country’s espousal of liberal democratic values. Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025 Supporting Yoon’s impeachment, Lee has also condemned Yoon’s unconstitutional abuse of martial law and espousal of election fraud conspiracy theory. Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousal
Noun
  • Most marriages experience bumps in the road, but what happens when those bumps turn into forks?
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 June 2025
  • The unusual timeline was the result of second marriages and late-in-life fatherhood for the former president and, later, one of his sons.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The nuptials came after a six-month engagement and six years together.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Abnormal found that most of the engagement with scam emails came from more entry-level employees, who are likely unaware of the extent of phishing emails and company processes.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The former couple got engaged just a few months after meeting and had a lavish two-part wedding in November 2022.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • Backdrops for the cases include a local theater production, a walking group, a wedding and a school reunion — cozy stuff.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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