as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively the oft-told story that he practiced elocution by learning to speak with a mouth full of pebbles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 elocution Rosetta was unusually anxious about public speaking, so she was given elocution lessons. Anita Gates, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2023 Would elocution stand a chance if it were formally reintroduced into the school curriculum today? Robert Klose, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2023 She quickly to turning to the theater, aided by elocution lessons, and found her calling. Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2023 Balancing blaze with warmth, tenor Barrett Radziun favored dramatic elocution over conventional smoothness. Dallas News, 23 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for elocution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elocution
Noun
  • In speeches, bank publications, op-eds and interviews, Stern and colleagues voiced this warning with Paul Revere-like energy.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Young came out gripping his 1953 Gibson Les Paul, better known as Old Black, shortly after a fiery speech by Service Employees International Union President April Verrett.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
    John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Netanyahu has done little to aid Ukraine even in his oratory.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the current rhetoric, there seems to be rare agreement on addressing what many believe is a high-stakes issue.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • While Trump vowed repeatedly during the 2016, 2020 and 2024 election cycles not to cut Medicare, his actual record belies the rhetoric.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This includes emotional public speaking, tagging, looting, vandalism, or provoking the police.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These past comments from Trump have often appeared to be in jest, or just an excuse to excite his loyal fan base during public speaking.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elocution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elocution. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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