enunciate

verb

enun·​ci·​ate ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt How to pronounce enunciate (audio)
enunciated; enunciating

transitive verb

1
a
: to make a definite or systematic statement of
b
: announce, proclaim
enunciated the new policy
2
: articulate, pronounce
enunciate all the syllables

intransitive verb

: to utter articulate sounds
enunciable
ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ə-bəl How to pronounce enunciate (audio)
-ˈnən-ch(ē-)ə-
adjective

Examples of enunciate in a Sentence

He set out to enunciate the basic principles of his system. enunciate a basic set of beliefs Children should be taught to enunciate clearly.
Recent Examples on the Web But on his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Biden could publicly repeat his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and add a more general pledge, first enunciated in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, to prevent any attempt by a hostile power to gain control of the Gulf region. Steven A. Cook, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2022 In his 1823 annual address to Congress, President James Monroe enunciated a bedrock principle of American foreign policy that became known as the Monroe Doctrine. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Future Islands These Baltimore synth-pop revivalists have one of modern music’s most distinctive vocalists in Samuel T. Herring, who enunciates like David Bowie with a diction coach. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 Sep. 2024 In the United States, it is often enunciated with stresses placed on the first or second syllable. Archana Venkatesan, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enunciate 

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

Latin enuntiatus, past participle of enuntiare to report, declare, from e- + nuntiare to report — more at announce

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enunciate was in 1623

Dictionary Entries Near enunciate

Cite this Entry

“Enunciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enunciate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

enunciate

verb
enun·​ci·​ate ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt How to pronounce enunciate (audio)
enunciated; enunciating
1
: to make known publicly : proclaim
2
: to pronounce clearly : articulate
enunciable adjective
enunciation noun
enunciator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enunciate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!