resonate

verb

res·o·nate | \ ˈre-zə-ˌnāt

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

But the effect of such regulation could resonate more broadly. — Richard Rubin, WSJ, "As Treasury Targets Workarounds to Tax Law, Impact May Extend Beyond High-Tax States," 27 June 2018 The decision could resonate through Silicon Valley and beyond, as many cities contemplate how to deal with the challenges of housing and transporting the burgeoning workforces of fast-growing tech companies. — Wendy Lee, SFChronicle.com, "Google tax to go before voters as tech giant’s hometown puts proposal on ballot," 26 June 2018 But its focus on music as opposed to skills like calling an Uber or checking your bank account could resonate with future buyers. — Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY, "Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod or Google Home: which is smarter about playing music? We tested them," 4 June 2018 What could resonate more than spending Memorial Day in this Civil War landmark just 85 miles northwest of Washington? — Chris Erskine, latimes.com, "U.S. cities and towns rich in Memorial Day tradition," 23 May 2018 Ginger's post has clearly resonated with her fellow female TV anchors. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'GMA' Star Ginger Zee Slams Online Twitter User Who Called Her a "Bimbo"," 20 Mar. 2019 Whatever happens, Baldikoski hopes this will resonate with viewers. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, "Fuller House Focuses on Kimmy Gibbler Being Stephanie Tanner's Surrogate This Season," 14 Dec. 2018 Adam's lecture must have resonated with people at home and in the audience, because DeAndre was saved from elimination by a staggering percentage of votes. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Adam Levine Gave a Heated Speech About 'The Voice' Results: 'I'm Really, Really Shocked'," 28 Nov. 2018 Of course the move makes sense on a larger scale, and is part of the PGA’s overall move to streamline its schedule toward a championship crescendo, one that will resonate by the end of August rather than into September. — Tara Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, "New PGA Tour format is good for golf, but at Boston’s expense," 10 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.