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 So the veteran Heat guard allowed the message to resonate. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2022 Rather than trying to tackle workforce shortages by guessing which workplace adjustments will resonate with their employees, businesses need to go a step further by directly asking workers themselves. — Mark Heymann, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2022 What makes Billy the Kid someone whose story will resonate with contemporary audiences? — Adam Rathe, Town & Country, 27 Apr. 2022 That makes the tragedy of her outcome resonate all the more. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2022 That said, what will really resonate with our viewers is the relatability of Nikki and her life in St. Louis. — Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 22 Apr. 2022 But Monday’s decision will resonate long beyond the completion of the transaction. — Jerry Beach, Forbes, 3 May 2022 But will that message resonate among less strident members of the party, let alone independent voters? — Damon Linker, The Week, 29 Apr. 2022 But Le Pen’s focus on pocketbook issues did resonate with many voters. — Fortune, 24 Apr. 2022 See More

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.

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