EMBRACE Synonyms: 274 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

embrace 1 of 2

verb

im-ˈbrās

Definition of embrace

as in to hug

to put one's arms around and press tightly upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to wrap

to surround or cover closely the stone walls that embrace the monastery serve to symbolize its function as a retreat from an unquiet world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to adopt

to take for one's own use (something originated by another) rap music came to be embraced by people who were far removed from the places where it originated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to welcome

to receive or accept gladly or readily the exchange student was gratified to be so quickly embraced by people of the small rural community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to include

to have as part of a whole a course in social studies can embrace everything from sociology to civics and economics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surround

to form a circle around a sleepy village embraced by low hills

Synonyms & Similar Words

embrace

2 of 2

noun

as in acceptance

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in hug

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

Sharma says embracing deeper shades is not just a natural way to transition from summer to fall vibes, but a wise choice to preserve the health of your hair. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026 People with high potential can embrace change, learn new tools quickly and bring fresh approaches to problem-solving. — Maria Trochimezuk, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

The exterior of the sculpture is adorned with synthetic braids, a fundamental material with Peacock, for whom braiding is a metaphor for relation, an embrace, irreducible intimacy. — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 But the unbridled embrace of aquaculture as a sustainable answer to feeding the planet ignores some very real costs. — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embrace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embrace

Verb

Kardashian has been a longtime fan of statement-making shoes, often balancing her figure-hugging clothing choices with bold platform heels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
After the verdict was read, Foster hugged his parents, who have accompanied him to court throughout the proceedings.

— Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hug

Verb

For now, this is an intriguing proof of concept, a tantalizing glimpse of what electric mobility might look like someday, and a technology wrapped in enough engineering jargon to make the average driver’s eyes glaze over.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
In the photos, she is seen standing knee-deep in the water before wrapping a towel over her body to dry off.

— Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrap

Verb

European leaders have adopted a more aggressive stance to shield native businesses from a tidal wave of Chinese imports, which policymakers have blamed for deep job losses among European automakers and other sectors.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
This has enriched its atmosphere with calcium, lithium, and sodium, and the team's model suggests this would have led WD J1330+6435 to adopt a green hue.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of adopt

Verb

Johnson says Genres will be flexible enough to welcome introverts who want to dream away the day with a book, but can also be a home for a baby shower in addition to an author signing or a theatrical event.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Against that backdrop, Shah welcomes the show's careful approach reincarnating the character.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of welcome

Verb

Iranian missiles and drones struck several Gulf states repeatedly including the UAE, hitting five star hotels and Dubai’s airport.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
There are so many delicious desserts that star apples, including cakes, cobblers, and more.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of include

Verb

An unopened box may look exciting when it is surrounded by balloons, friends and the smell of cake.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Visceral fat — which lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs — has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Cleveland Clinic states.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of surround

Noun

Another highlight was Oude Waag, where Yin Jingwei continued to fuel his work with the emotional journey through personal difficulty and the gradual acceptance of circumstances.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter says changes during adolescence make teenagers unusually sensitive to acceptance and rejection, which is why being frozen out of a group chat can register as a real loss.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of acceptance

Noun

The Odeds and Weingartens faced competition from companies like Premier Dead Sea, which was also gaining a foothold in the States with its own family of brands.

— Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
Following a global crackdown on fentanyl, a class of cheap, potent synthetics called nitazenes gained a foothold in the illicit drug market starting in 2019.

— Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of foothold

Browse Nearby Words

embowers

embrace

embraceable

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Style

“Embrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embrace. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of embrace

verb

noun

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