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 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 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
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 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
-
In time, marriages with junior Bourbon houses would also be arranged for three of Antonia’s sisters, while three others, within the Austrian Netherlands and the crown lands of Hungary, Bohemia, and Austria itself, would serve the dynasty’s long‑term project of centralizing its power.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Hamilton said the measure would not impact marriages between minors who were married before Nov. 1, when the law takes effect.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Younane says the engagement from clubs is inconsistent and too dependent on key individuals.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Fourth, Gahan says, big creators do appearances, speaking engagements, or conferences, for which they are paid (though this seems to be the least common way for creators to make money).—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Because of my daughter’s lesbian relationship, my son does not plan to invite his sister’s fiancee to the wedding, saying their values don’t align.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The plan was to drop Lauren off on Martha’s Vineyard before continuing on to Cape Cod, to attend John’s cousin’s wedding that weekend.—
Jeffrey Eugenides,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Espousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousal. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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