expostulation

ex·pos·tu·la·tion

noun \-ˌspäs-chə-ˈlā-shən\

Definition of EXPOSTULATION

: an act or an instance of expostulating

— ex·pos·tu·la·to·ry \-ˈspäs-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Examples of EXPOSTULATION

1. <despite the earnest expostulations of her friends, Jessica continued to date the foul-tempered guy>

First Known Use of EXPOSTULATION

1540

Related to EXPOSTULATION

Synonyms: challenge, complaint, demur, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, objection, fuss, kick, protest, question, remonstrance, stink

Related Words: compunction, doubt, misgiving, qualm, scruple; misunderstanding; cavil, niggle [chiefly British], quibble; argument, conflict, debate, dispute, dissent, hassle, quarrel, squabble, static; censure, criticism; defiance, disobedience, rebellion; distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt, mistrust, mistrustfulness, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty; qualmishness, unease, uneasiness; reluctance, unwillingness

Near Antonyms: willingness; approval, sanction; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent; compliance, obedience

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