bespeak

be·speak | \ bi-ˈspēk

How to pronounce bespeak (audio)

, bē- \

bespoke\ bi-ˈspōk

How to pronounce bespoke (audio)

, bē- \; bespoken\ bi-ˈspō-kən

How to pronounce bespoken (audio)

, bē- \; bespeaking

Definition of bespeak

transitive verb

1 : to hire, engage, or claim beforehand

2 : to speak to especially with formality : address

3 : request bespeak a favor

4a : indicate, signify her performance bespeaks considerable practice

b : to show beforehand : foretell

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about bespeak

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Examples of bespeak in a Sentence

Her newest album bespeaks a great talent for writing songs. bespoke the rental car weeks in advance of their trip

Recent Examples on the Web The many positive responses on social media bespeak considerable support for his take-no-prisoners public attitude toward gang members who exert de facto control of entire neighborhoods and towns. — Los Angeles Times, "El Salvador’s president accused of using coronavirus to bolster autocratic agenda," 30 Apr. 2020 His playing bespoke an investment in the entire lineage of jazz trumpet playing. — Giovanni Russonello, BostonGlobe.com, "Wallace Roney, jazz trumpet virtuoso," 2 Apr. 2020 His playing bespoke an investment in the entire lineage of jazz trumpet playing. — Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, "Wallace Roney, Jazz Trumpet Virtuoso, Is Dead at 59," 31 Mar. 2020 What to do: Fly into Kigali and head northwest to Volcanoes National Park for the active adventures—like gorilla trekking—that Gray & Co.’s bespoke trips specialize in. — National Geographic, "On the rise: 20 trending destinations for 2020," 29 Jan. 2020 Louisville Courier Journal The Louisville Cardinals’ bottom line bespeaks a team with a high ceiling. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "It hasn't been easy, but Louisville basketball should take a bow for this season's success," 6 Mar. 2020 Another guest room serves as a studio for Laurie’s bespoke cake business, SweetArt Cake Studio. — Georgann Yara, azcentral, "A butterfly garden and cake studio are part of teachers’ downsized dream home in Gilbert. Take a look," 23 Jan. 2020 Yet the startling turnaround Satterfield has achieved in his first season bespeaks better talent than was generally perceived when the season started. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Music City Bowl is just the beginning for Louisville football's journey with Satterfield," 29 Dec. 2019 But such performances bespeak today’s music industry; where safety-in-retrospect carries dispositive weight. — oregonlive, "Live music in Portland: 25 January concerts you won’t want to miss," 30 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bespeak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

27 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Bespeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bespeak. Accessed 29 May. 2020.

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