Definition of discoursenext

discourse

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example 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 discourse
Noun
Given the small-market haze surrounding this matchup, inevitably there will be online discourse about the television ratings for the World Series. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 The abundance era As affordability has risen to the forefront of American discourse, the politics of environmentalism have shifted, and Newsom has shifted with them. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
All the while, discourse around the television series has formed a buzzy backdrop to the sale. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026 The most explicitly political of the year’s major contenders is also the odds-on Best Picture front-runner, which has made OBAA discourse the season’s most inescapable topic. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discourse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
  • In the conversation, Griffin asked the person to use that influence to deny admission to Rosman’s children, the person with direct knowledge of their conversation said.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • If restless nights are a pattern, a conversation with your doctor may matter more than what sits in your snack bowl.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • At a time when everyone is asking where men fit in, this film doesn’t lecture.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Respondents in England and Australia were more likely to associate teaching with institutional, credentialed and paid professional roles, such as nursing, lecturing and social work.
    — Gustavo E. Fischman, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence needs as little as three seconds of you speaking to produce a convincing clone of your voice.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At least two federal bills to regulate AI in politics are pending discussion and approval by lawmakers.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
  • SpaceX is attempting to build the fourth nationwide wireless carrier by combining its Starlink direct-to-device network with ground infrastructure, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with discussions.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Publicly, Pacific Fusion talks mostly about its future ability to supply electricity, a promise the fusion industry has made for years.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The 6,200-square-foot venue spans two levels and features a 700-square-foot dry sauna, an infrared sauna and a 46-degree cold plunge, with dim communal areas built in to encourage guests to linger and talk.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • No president has publicly harangued and harassed the Fed more to lower interest rates.
    — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Benatia got a three-month suspension for haranguing a fourth official.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • In another, Seyfried and Fielder converse intimately by a fireplace.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Recorded at The Stand in New York City, The Guest Spot will see Shaw converse with guests from the stand-up, digital and comedy worlds.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Related Stories Cruise, declaiming every line, acting with blind bluster and a mean gleam of good-ol’-boy joy, makes Digger a walking cartoon — a larger-than-life satire of over-the-top American arrogance, like LBJ crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And the conversations between Anna and Molly, Ella and Julia (Ella’s friend and a counterpart of Molly), as well as the stammering and declaiming when Anna talks to herself, are almost always about men.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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