resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt How to pronounce resonate (audio)
resonated; resonating; resonates

intransitive verb

1
: to produce or exhibit resonance
A person’s voice … is made by sound resonating in the mouth and nose …Ken Carlson
2
: to respond as if by resonance
resonate to the music
also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance
3
: to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way
a message that resonates with voters

transitive verb

: to subject to resonating

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Resonate vs. Reverberate

Resonate and reverberate each have at least one meaning that is concerned with sound, and they carry a degree of overlap in their definitions. However, there are some subtle differences between them that are worth observing. Resonate typically suggests that a single lasting sound is produced; reverberate, on the other hand, indicates that an initial sound is followed by a series of echoes. In terms of the contexts in which they are used, resonate often involves a person (“that passage of the book resonated with many young readers”); reverberate, on the other hand, is more likely to be used of a thing, such as the aftermath of some major event (“the shock caused by the assassination reverberated across Europe”).

Examples of resonate in a Sentence

The siren resonated throughout the city. The deep sounds of the bassoon resonated through the concert hall.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The format’s combination of deduction and performance has resonated with audiences worldwide, with each country tailoring the concept to reflect local sensibilities. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Jan. 2025 On the other hand, many resonated with her point of view. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 Her words resonated deeply, encapsulating the essence of her four-decade-long career that has seamlessly blended African traditions with global influences. Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 Wood’s romantic oldies resonated with a new generation of lovebirds, becoming a soundtrack of Southern California life — literally, as Wood found a third career as a performer at weddings, quinceañeras and anniversary parties. Priscella Vega, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resonate 

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of resonate was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near resonate

Cite this Entry

“Resonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resonate. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

resonate

verb
res·​o·​nate ˈrez-ᵊn-ˌāt How to pronounce resonate (audio)
resonated; resonating
1
: to produce or exhibit resonance
2
a
: to respond as if by resonance
resonate to the music
b
: to strike a chord
a message that resonates with voters

More from Merriam-Webster on resonate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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