resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt How to pronounce resonate (audio)
resonated; resonating

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

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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 This selection echoes not just quantity but a commitment to quality that resonates with players’ preferences. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 For nearly three decades, the scene has continued to resonate. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 What are some of those things that have resonated with audiences? Angelique Jackson, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 The Times’ coverage of the Dodgers’ elimination from the 2023 MLB playoffs resonated with both readers and APSE judges, placing in the top 10 in event coverage in recognition of 48 hours of special work by The Times’ staff. Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Brands seek partnerships that not only resonate with their target audience but also align with their values and marketing objectives. King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 As the incoming co-CEOs prepare to build upon the legacy of their predecessors, Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins, who are transitioning to global co-chairs, the ethos of collaborative leadership continues to resonate throughout the firm. Dean Debiase, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The musical retains that late 19th-century German setting, but the story's themes of adolescent sexuality, parental oppression and miscommunication still resonate. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2024 In the clip, which aired last night on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Hamlin, 25, tells correspondent Priscilla Thompson how Zeke's story resonated with him. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resonate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of resonate was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near resonate

Cite this Entry

“Resonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resonate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

resonate

verb
res·​o·​nate ˈrez-ᵊn-ˌāt How to pronounce resonate (audio)
resonated; resonating
1
: to produce or exhibit resonance
2
a
: to respond as if by resonance
resonate to the music
b
: to strike a chord
a message that resonates with voters

More from Merriam-Webster on resonate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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