remonstrate

verb

re·​mon·​strate ˈre-mən-ˌstrāt How to pronounce remonstrate (audio)
ri-ˈmän-
remonstrated; remonstrating

intransitive verb

: to present and urge reasons in opposition : expostulate
usually used with with

transitive verb

: to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition
remonstration noun
remonstrative adjective
remonstratively adverb
remonstrator noun

Examples of remonstrate in a Sentence

He got angry when I politely remonstrated with him about littering.
Recent Examples on the Web That need to remonstrate has occasionally landed Lai in hot water. Vic Chiang, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2024 Last stand Kaplan has otherwise kept defense lawyers on a short leash, frequently remonstrating them for repetitive questioning. Tory Newmyer, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2023 The defense remonstrates that allowing a 👍 to signify acceptance would open the floodgates of cases coming forward asking for interpretations of various emojis, for example, what does a 👍 or a 👍 mean? Will Stephenson, Harper's Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023 Several neighbors had remonstrated against the request for variance, for which the Griffith Board of Zoning Appeals granted a favorable recommendation to the town council. Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2023 My driver remonstrated with him, until a man in civilian clothes behind us offered help. Charles Glass, The New York Review of Books, 28 Feb. 2023 Attendees in the crowded Council Chamber, who were there August 9 to remonstrate against the town closing its court and a handbook dispute between the town and its Clerk-Treasurer Kelly White Gibson, took umbrage with Hardaway restricting their ability to speak. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2022 On March 12, FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson called Mr. Musk to remonstrate, stressing that he is required to follow FAA rules, the FAA spokesman said. Susan Pulliam, WSJ, 28 Apr. 2021 Their grandmother paid them a visit, to remonstrate with Marlene and accuse her of going off the rails. Tessa Hadley, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'remonstrate.' 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

Medieval Latin remonstratus, past participle of remonstrare to demonstrate, from Latin re- + monstrare to show — more at muster

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of remonstrate was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near remonstrate

Cite this Entry

“Remonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remonstrate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

remonstrate

verb
re·​mon·​strate ri-ˈmän-ˌstrāt How to pronounce remonstrate (audio)
remonstrated; remonstrating
: to present and urge reasons in opposition
remonstrate with a student for being late

More from Merriam-Webster on remonstrate

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