Synonyms of expostulate

expostulate

verb

ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt 

as in to object

to present an opposing opinion or argument

the concerned parents tried to expostulate with their daughter when she announced her intention to live on her own in New York City

Synonyms & Similar Words

• object
• complain
• protest
• demur
• kick
• remonstrate (with)
• take exception
• whine
• take issue
• except
• dare
• criticize
• quarrel
• cavil
• debate
• moan
• wrangle
• fight
• conflict
• quibble
• grumble
• balk
• repine
• challenge
• squabble
• murmur
• stick
• dispute
• mutter
• defy
• bitch
• disobey
• scream
• denounce
• nag
• gripe
• wail
• squawk
• withstand
• keen
• rebel
• bleat
• holler
• grouse
• censure
• beef
• demonstrate
• yammer
• bellyache
• growl
• whinge
• caterwaul
• squeal
• whimper
• fuss
• hassle
• yowl
• croak
• gag
• carp
• maunder
• yawp
• crab
• grouch
• grizzle
• grump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• accept
• agree
• observe
• sanction
• comply
• obey
• follow
• defend
• conform
• maintain
• support
• adhere
• acquiesce
• advocate
• accede
• mind
• sustain
• assent
• uphold
• commend
• applaud
• cheer
• champion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expostulate

But most of her extended conversations on campus were either with the administrator, Val, or with the custodian, a man named Hank who liked to park himself in her office doorway and expostulate about the upcoming hunting season. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

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

His humility does not work in his favor when promoting fights, and there is no hype man in Miocic’s corner expostulating his accolades. — Justin Barrasso, SI.com, 14 Aug. 2019