Definition of RESONATE

Resonate vs. Reverberate

Resonate and reverberate each have at least one meaning that is concerned with sound, and they carry a degree of overlap in their definitions. However, there are some subtle differences between them that are worth observing. Resonate typically suggests that a single lasting sound is produced; reverberate, on the other hand, indicates that an initial sound is followed by a series of echoes. In terms of the contexts in which they are used, resonate often involves a person (“that passage of the book resonated with many young readers”); reverberate, on the other hand, is more likely to be used of a thing, such as the aftermath of some major event (“the shock caused by the assassination reverberated across Europe”).

Examples of resonate in a Sentence

The siren resonated throughout the city. the deep sounds of the bassoon resonated through the concert hall

Recent Examples on the Web

The level of expertise on ASU's coaching staff resonated with the local standout. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Saguaro's Will Shaffer commits to ASU football as linebacker," 12 June 2019 In honor of the premiere of new episodes, the cast recreated Franz Winterhalter's iconic 1846 painting of the royal family. The portrait depicts Victoria as both the monarch and a mother, a theme which resonates through the show's third season. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "The Cast of Victoria Just Recreated an Iconic Portrait of the Royal Family," 24 Mar. 2019 Power Moves: This birthday month has brought you all flavors of cake, Leo, and the ultimate lesson lies in learning which really resonate with the nectar of your soul. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes Aug 13-19," 11 Aug. 2018 None has progressed beyond the fringes as fast and far as WRME, which has resonated with its target audience by playing both familiar and forgotten songs for listeners who grew up glued to the radio from the 1960s through the 1980s. — Robert Channick, chicagotribune.com, "MeTV FM goes from low-power TV station to top-10 Chicago radio station," 3 May 2018 Among the most popular are the brand’s Passion and Arouse blends, designed to increase arousal and sensuality, which have resonated strongly with female customers. — Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "These Female Entrepreneurs Are Cultivating a Modern Cannabis Lifestyle," 19 Apr. 2018 The right-wing nationalist prime minister projected himself as a savior of Hungary's Christian culture against Muslim migration into Europe, an image which resonated with millions of voters, especially in rural areas. — NBC News, "Hungary's Viktor Orban secures another election victory," 9 Apr. 2018 Advertising That message resonated well with the Mexican audience. — Peter Orsi, The Seattle Times, "At US-Mexico CEO summit, leaders optimistic amid uncertainty," 12 Apr. 2019 Their challenges resonate with me on a deeply personal level. — Jessica Andrews, Teen Vogue, "Designer Anita Dongre Talks Dressing Priyanka Chopra, Beyoncé, and Sophie Turner," 14 Mar. 2019

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