oracular

adjective

orac·​u·​lar ȯ-ˈra-kyə-lər 

ə-

1

: resembling an oracle (as in solemnity of delivery)

2

: of, relating to, or being an oracle

oracularity

ȯ-ˌra-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-tē

noun

oracularly

ȯ-ˈra-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

When the ancient Greeks had questions or problems, they would turn to the gods for answers by consulting an oracle, a person through whom the gods communicated, usually in the form of cryptic verse. (Oracle also referred to the god's answer or to the shrine that worshippers approached when seeking advice; the word's root is the Latin verb orare, which means "to speak.") English speakers today can use oracle to simply refer to an authoritative pronouncement or to a person who makes such pronouncements—for example, "a designer who is an oracle of fashion." And the related adjective oracular is used in similar contexts: "a designer who is an oracular voice of fashion."

Choose the Right Synonym for oracular

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others.

dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of oracular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The conversation that unfolds is some of Lerner’s most brilliant and daring writing to date, a mad, oracular burst of speech — about technology, parenthood, and dreaming — that flits effortlessly between prose and poetry. —Kevin Lozano, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2026

Even so, Barry has an oracular outlook. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace. —Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

The grandeur of Boxley’s influence is conveyed by his terse, oracular speech. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin oraculum

First Known Use

1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oracular

adjective

orac·​u·​lar ȯ-ˈrak-yə-lər 

ə-

1

: of, relating to, or being an oracle

2

: resembling an oracle

oracularly adverb