1
as in marrying
to give in marriage
a couple eager to espouse their eldest daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in proposing
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
3
as in adopting
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of espousing
Epting is accused in the defamation suit of framing a social media post of the former punter’s as espousing violence, which Kluwe denied.
—
City News Service, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
At the time of his death, Kirk had developed a following of millions online, espousing socially conservative Christian beliefs.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025
After a summer-long saga that saw his agent Aaron Turner embark on a media tour espousing the individual talents of a client forced to play within the Warriors’ system, Sunday’s game provided Kuminga his first opportunity of the preseason to be The Guy.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, parties espousing nationalist rhetoric are on the rise across Europe, with right-wing nationalist movements counting historic electoral turnouts in a number of nations.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Conservatives have been decrying identity politics for years, and liberals have been just as vigorously espousing them as key to winning races.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
The actress, who rose to fame for her role as Hermione Granger across the series' eight movies, had previously spoken out in support of trans rights after Rowling first began espousing anti-trans rhetoric in 2019.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Conservatives have been decrying identity politics for years, and liberals have been just as vigorously espousing them as key to winning races.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Thanks for coming on here and espousing all of this knowledge.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for espousing
Verb
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Christopher Robin led an interesting life, which included marrying his first cousin, Lesley de Selincourt.—
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The card was viewed as a way to expand the company’s digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone.—
Verb
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The Environmental Commission, made up of City Council-named board members, is expected Wednesday to vote on adopting bird-friendly changes as part of the center’s new design.—
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Stay younger longer and stem the effects of aging by adopting simple micro-habits.—
Verb
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On November 19, 2025, the star stepped out for the film’s Berlin premiere, embracing the sheer trend in a sapphire gown that revealed a black bralette and silky boxer shorts underneath.—
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While there’s certainly a place for these aesthetics, consumers are now forgoing this less-is-more POV and embracing warmth, color, and a decidedly live-in look.—
Verb
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Fortunately, borrowing with a home equity loan now, at the start of 2026, is more affordable than it's been in quite some time.—
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That would eliminate the free ride that investors can enjoy by borrowing against their holdings.—
Cite this Entry
“Espousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/espousing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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