oracular
adjective
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When the ancient Greeks had questions or problems, they would turn to the gods for answers by consulting an oracle, a person through whom the gods communicated, usually in the form of cryptic verse. (Oracle also referred to the god's answer or to the shrine that worshippers approached when seeking advice; the word's root is the Latin verb orare, which means "to speak.") English speakers today can use oracle to simply refer to an authoritative pronouncement or to a person who makes such pronouncements—for example, "a designer who is an oracle of fashion." And the related adjective oracular is used in similar contexts: "a designer who is an oracular voice of fashion."
Examples of oracular in a Sentence
Nathan Bomey, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024
The book carries Ward’s characteristic mélange of vernacular speech and lush, sometimes oracular prose, immersing readers in the blessings — and difficulties — of family, the ways that bonds can both nurture and destroy.
—Imani Perry, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2023
Mambo’s ability to fill a potentially minor moment with zest speaks to the richness of his performance as Sterling, who is now funny, now oracular, now a case study in unpredictable action.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 19 June 2023
His pronouncements seem oracular, his verdicts correct.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for oracular 
Dictionary Entries Near oracular
Cite this Entry
“Oracular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oracular. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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oracular
adjective
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