embrace | Definition of embrace

1 to put one's arms around and press tightly

upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son

Synonyms of embrace

bear-hug, clasp, crush, enclasp, enfold, grasp, hug, strain

Words Related to embrace

clamp, cling, cradle, grab, grip, hold

bosom, embosom, encircle, entwine, envelop, enwind

fold, lock, twine, wrap

cuddle, fondle, nestle, nuzzle, pat, pet, snuggle, stroke

2 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 of embrace

bosom, bower, circumfuse, cocoon, embosom, embower, enclose (also inclose), encompass, enfold, enshroud, enswathe, envelop, enwrap, invest, involve, lap, mantle, muffle, shroud, swathe, veil, wrap

Words Related to embrace

curtain, drape

embed (also imbed), encase

swaddle

blanket, overlay, overspread

camouflage, cloak, disguise, mask

circle, encircle, enlace, enwind

Near Antonyms of embrace

bare, denude, expose, strip

3 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 of embrace

adopt, borrow, espouse, take on, take up

Words Related to embrace

domesticate, naturalize

appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp

absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote

cherish, prize, treasure

cultivate, follow, heed, honor

use, utilize

bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear

affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on, simulate

Phrases Synonymous with embrace

pick up on

Near Antonyms of embrace

abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender

abjure, abnegate, disown

reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn

discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

4 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 of embrace

drink (in), eat (up), lap (up), welcome

Words Related to embrace

adopt, espouse, take up

greet, hail

enjoy, like, prefer

cherry-pick, choose, cull, decide (on), elect, handpick, name, opt (for), pick, select, single (out), take

Near Antonyms of embrace

balk (at), decline, pass up, refuse,

Synonyms and Antonyms of embrace

WORD OF THE DAY

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