expostulate

verb

ex·​pos·​tu·​late ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce expostulate (audio)
expostulated; expostulating; expostulates

intransitive verb

: to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance

Examples of expostulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But her style, it is suggested (for what happened at those audiences was wholly confidential) was never to expostulate – merely to ask a leading question, or to drop a subtle hint. Sarah Gristwood, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expostulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin expostulatus, past participle of expostulare to demand, dispute, from ex- + postulare to ask for — more at postulate

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of expostulate was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near expostulate

Cite this Entry

“Expostulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expostulate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

expostulate

verb
ex·​pos·​tu·​late ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce expostulate (audio)
expostulated; expostulating
expostulation
-ˌspäs-chə-ˈlā-shən
noun
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