resonate

verb

res·o·nate | \ ˈre-zə-ˌnāt

How to pronounce resonate (audio)

\

resonated; resonating

Definition of resonate

intransitive verb

1 : to produce or exhibit resonance

2 : to respond as if by resonance resonate to the music also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance

3 : to relate harmoniously : strike a chord a message that resonates with voters

transitive verb

: to subject to resonating

Synonyms Resonate vs. Reverberate More Example Sentences Learn More about resonate

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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

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 And yet now, nearly 50 years later, those sentiments resonate just as much today, if not more, than ever before. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Harry Just Paid Tribute to Prince Charles and His Work in the Fight Against Climate Change," 26 Oct. 2018 So, the government shutdown narrative will resonate the rest of the month, regardless of what unfolds on the Senate floor. — Chad Pergram, Fox News, "Government shutdown threat greets Senate's return to DC," 15 Aug. 2018 But Michelin, with its secret inspections and romantic, open-road inception, resonates deeper with public imagination. — Casey Quackenbush / Hong Kong, Time, "'We're Not Educated.' The Untold Story of Lung King Heen, the World's First Michelin Three-Star Chinese Restaurant," 12 July 2018 But in House campaigns and some state-level races, the nomination is resonating very differently. — Jonathan Martin, New York Times, "For Midterms, Supreme Court Political Drama Plays to Its Audience," 11 July 2018 Does that idea resonate with you, that this massive movement is all sparked by the accomplishments of your group? — Sam Amick, USA TODAY, "Steph Curry talks DeMarcus Cousins signing, LeBron James' move: 'You've still got to beat us'," 11 July 2018 Their evocative and melodic ballads resonate with fans of Crosby, Stills & Nash and Joni Mitchell. — Jeff Milo, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit music: Idiot Kids at Outer Limits, Nick Speed at the Old Miami," 5 July 2018

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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Learn More about resonate

Dictionary Entries near resonate

resonant cavity

resonant frequency

Statistics for resonate

Last Updated

24 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for resonate

The first known use of resonate was in 1873

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More Definitions for resonate

resonate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of resonate

: to continue to produce a loud, clear, deep sound for a long time

: to have particular meaning or importance for someone : to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way

See the full definition for resonate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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