as in conversation
talking or a talk between two or more people
Thomas Jefferson is said to have been able to participate in knowledgeable discourse on a breathtaking array of subjects
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourse
David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
The most common point of discourse around the Leafs and the trade deadline has focused on their need to add a middle-six centre.
—Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2024
Kiss or no kiss, Glen Powell is just happy fans care enough about Twisters to start discourse online.
—Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discourse
Noun
This decree, issued from the heights of a fortune built in no small part on government contracts and tax advantages, reveals not just a concerning narrowing of acceptable discourse but a fundamental misunderstanding of economic reality itself.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
The most common point of discourse around the Leafs and the trade deadline has focused on their need to add a middle-six centre.
—Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
But by Obama’s second term in office, discourse about the importance of representation in media had intensified, and the show came under fire in 2013 for not featuring a Black woman cast member in five years.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2024
Kiss or no kiss, Glen Powell is just happy fans care enough about Twisters to start discourse online.
—Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for discourse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
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According to my sources, that conversation didn't take place.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2025
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This might feel uncomfortable at first, but honest conversations about pleasure, consent and comfort can strengthen intimacy.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For Vance to lecture the Germans on how to govern themselves—the Germans, who rose from the traumas of Nazism to build a vibrant and enduring democracy—was inappropriate and bizarre.—
Dexter Filkins,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
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Every purchase is scrutinized — last week, I was lectured for buying a name-brand cereal.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Bill Burr recently spoke to The New York Times and shrugged off Ben Shapiro‘s criticism of him.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
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Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would be the last to speak before the vote.—
ABC NEWS,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Following Trump's conversation with Putin last week, Trump floated a potential meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to kick off ceasefire discussions.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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At a moment when the atomization of interpersonal relationships is at the forefront of public discussion, Brennan’s winsome, melancholy-streaked portraits of city life hold particular resonance.—
Rhian Sasseen,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Backstreet Boys talk Las Vegas Sphere residency Support the Short List andbecome a USA TODAY digital subscriber today.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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His distinctive monotone, used to harangue and belittle those who challenge him, lifted into song.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
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Without him, UConn is 4-3, nearly every game down to the wire, as teams are able to harangue leading scorer Alex Karaban, who was 1-for-14 against DePaul, making his mark with eight assists and six rebounds, playing all 40 minutes.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At one point, Mandel stepped out of the room to let the two converse alone, while emotional piano music swelled in the background.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
27 Jan. 2025
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Seen facing each other on a couch, the two converse with the ease of good friends.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sneed -- who received a life sentence in exchange for testifying against Glossip -- had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and been taking psychiatric medication, but denied it during trial -- facts uncorrected by prosecutors who knew the truth.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2025
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Trump’s demand that Ukraine share its vast mineral wealth in exchange for any future support is particularly egregious, Tatarigami wrote.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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