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noun

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
Daniel Hanson's Sons: The Next Generation of Savile Row Tailoring The legacy of Daniel Hanson–one of preserving tradition and craftsmanship whilst embracing innovation–lives on through his sons, who have taken the helm of the family business. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 In a sense, this patriotic, pro-military fantasy seems to be aimed at those least likely to support a candidate like Sutton — the gung-ho might-makes-right crowd that once embraced stars such as Stallone and Schwarzenegger. Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
Nor was Frank’s embrace of Eastern religion something that particularly resonated with him. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025 On Tuesday, the CDC’s top communications officer announced his resignation in an op-ed lambasting Kennedy’s embrace of alternative measles treatments. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for embrace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace
Verb
  • My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.
    Time, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Ovechkin then hugged team equipment and training staff on the bench and went through a handshake line with the Islanders as crew members set up for the 895 ceremony.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The shows — which kicked off in March 2023 — wrapped in October.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The simple yet head-turning perfume features just three notes: Zesty bergamot, robust espresso, and cozy cedarwood that wrap you in a comforting hug.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In today’s flat (or shrinking) budgetary environment, institutions must adopt smart, strategic technology consolidation to maximize impact and efficiency.
    Chase Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Adell, 24, has always been open with her fans about the fact that she was adopted, and grew up in southern California with four siblings, all of whom were also adopted.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • How our band made the decision to perform—and why we probably won’t be welcomed back By Ryan Miller Listen1.0x 0:0011:19 Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (Noa) using AI narration.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Today’s news item is brought to you by the letters S, Z, and A. Sesame Street welcomed SZA on Thursday to sing a song about gratitude.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The interior design, courtesy of Xenia, also includes top-notch wood and fabric finishes.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In Season 5, Americans tried to rescue children out of Gilead, including June’s daughter, Hannah.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Not to mention the endless possibilities surrounding our island Postmaster General interacting with the Hostmaster General.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • As temperatures in the California deserts begin to rise, so does the anticipation surrounding the 2025 Coachella Music and Arts Festival.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While many polls show that acceptance for LGBTQ+ rights has generally increased over the past 20 years, most Americans are less supportive of transgender girls and women participating in women's sports.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Ars Technica Addendum and Your California Privacy Rights.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Although the first couple of years were rocky, Skerritt admits, the business soon found a foothold.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For small-business owners or investors looking for a foothold in real estate, the city outskirts can be a perfect entry point.
    Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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