1
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech given the opportunity, many politicians will orate at considerable length on just about any subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject the respected anthropologist is expected to orate about her latest research findings before a packed auditorium

Synonyms & Similar Words

Examples 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 orate Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups? J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024 At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama. Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 The most persuasive and engrossing moment of the play comes late, when Harry Nelson is orating for his son’s benefit on the history and necessity of humankind’s relationship with firearms. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023 Perhaps a chatbot can even orate. David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023 Marsha, Nate, and Jacob stand on the balcony as Cal begins to orate. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2022 The surest way to get yanked off the stage — any stage — is to clear one’s throat and begin to orate. Washington Post, 9 July 2021 My cousin, a single mom, had moved back in with my aunt and uncle, and everyone was helping her raise Jiajia — a precocious three-year-old who orated rather than babbled, and loved instructions, dogs, and Fruit-by-the-Foot. Connie Wang, refinery29.com, 10 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orate
Verb
  • Galle did not speak at his sentencing, instead choosing to have defense attorney Liz Parker read his statement for him.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has spoken poignantly of her desire to have a baby — but only once she’s landed that elusive first major title.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Buffett has been lecturing on inflation in his shareholder letters since the 1960s and his strategy has never changed (much to the advantage of his shareholders).
    James Berman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Tucker Carlson, the Trump acolyte and former Fox News presenter, visits Moscow, where he is granted a two-hour interview with Vladimir Putin, most of which consists of Carlson being lectured on Russian history.
    The Week UK, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Keeping performers’ voices in good condition for that long haul is the province of a tribe of vocal coaches in Hollywood and everywhere else people sing or declaim for their supper.
    Jonathan Margolis, airmail.news, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The Koreans have a lesson to share with those whose intellectuals, driven by identity and the metaphysics of difference, declaim ownership of the Enlightenment and its legacy.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Foligno understands players can talk to the NHLPA and league about stiffer penalties.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Like, a walking, talking, human-size chimp, portrayed and voiced by a combination of a motion-capture actor (Jonnie Davies), a musician (Adam Tucker), and Williams himself.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Her frugal immigrant parents bring their own food, and Nate’s meddlesome mom harangues her son about his career and her desperation for a grandchild.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Duell’s co-stars shared their thoughts in the Instagram comments, simultaneously congratulating and haranguing him.
    Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • And, of course, discourse about the current state of democracy certainly isn’t unique to Korea.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near orate

Cite this Entry

“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on orate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!