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espoused

American  
[ih-spouzd, -spousd] / ɪˈspaʊzd, -ˈspaʊsd /

adjective

  1. embraced or adopted, as an idea, principle, or cause.

    There was an immediate negative reaction to his clearly espoused beliefs on the subject.

  2. Archaic. married.

    Once while I was in medical school, my recently espoused wife was persuaded to come and see me do a post-mortem.

  3. Archaic. engaged or betrothed.

    Espoused couples desiring to be married by the Ministerial Staff are required to complete the six-week preparation course.


verb

  1. the simple past tense and past participle of espouse.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of espoused

espouse ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has also espoused a more collegiate style of governance, delegating some particularly sensitive topics to his senior clergy.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Stanley espoused an evangelical capitalism that focused on its employees’ personal growth; it recommended salespeople read Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

When Bin Salman first came to prominence as Saudi defense minister in 2015, he espoused a pugilistic foreign policy that saw him launch the unsuccessful offensive on the Houthis and kidnap Lebanon’s prime minister.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

In the past, Musk has espoused paying penalties rather than waiting for approvals as a way of doing business.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2025

A pretty dispute followed, in which Edna warmly espoused her father’s cause and the Doctor remained neutral.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

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