1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
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
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
He was not limited to a single playing field either in sports (baseball, basketball, and football) or the arts (acting, oratory, and singing).
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratory
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
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
He was not limited to a single playing field either in sports (baseball, basketball, and football) or the arts (acting, oratory, and singing).
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
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What kind of speech is protected by the First Amendment?—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2025
-
After the speech went viral, Springsteen released it as a track with a collection of recordings from that performance.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Drawing the line between criticism and hate Jonathan, a Jewish young professional in Washington, D.C., said political leaders must more clearly condemn rhetoric that veers into incitement.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
3 June 2025
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The most frequently cited reasons for wanting to move were concerns about LGBTQ+ rights – 76% – the sociopolitical climate – 71% – anti-trans rhetoric and climate – 60% – and anti-trans laws and policies – 47%.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Noun
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The recordings also capture Bell’s family background in elocution (his father, grandfather, and brother all taught the subject).—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2018
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The Bartlet staff’s righteous (and self-righteous) elocution might seem — to the cynical — sentimental, treacly, smarmy, or just eye-roll-inducingly dumb.—
Lizzie Logan,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2024
Noun
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The Leo full moon on the 12th encourages you to use your voice more boldly, whether that’s through writing, teaching, public speaking, or social media.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
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Professional athletes, like fine wines, only get better at public speaking with age.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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