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 Kids will get the messages that Plensa espouses as quickly as adults, but this work is an easy, comprehensible introduction to how artists work, using surprising materials in inventive ways to make viewers consider the world differently. —

Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 Compared to his political opponent de la Espriella, Cepeda espouses a human-centric approach to drugs in Colombia. —

Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 June 2026 Lee, a liberal who espouses improved ties with North Korea, didn't specifically comment on the threats posed by the North. —

CBS News, 26 May 2026 Gillie described his friend as an ardent supporter of free speech who would regularly espouse the right that everyone is entitled to their opinion free from harm. —

Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for espouse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for espouse

Verb

Siebel Newsom, who has been married to Newsom since 2008 and maintains a higher profile than other state governors’ spouses, has been the subject of several recent articles in right-wing news outlets.

— Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
The exes, who were married for nearly 30 years, separated in 2023 and finalized their divorce in June 2025.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 16 June 2026