resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt 

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”).

Synonyms

• echo
• reecho
• resound
• reverberate
• sound

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

In 2019, while Trump was in office, this strategic speech might not have resonated with most Americans. —Christian Paz, Vox, 17 July 2024

But for Raymond, the tour’s visit to The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 20, resonates, much like his father’s high tenor, with the extra-sweet dynamic of the song that gives the tour its name. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2024

Supporters tend to view Vance as a refreshing voice within the GOP, capable of bridging the divide between Trump's base and traditional Republican circles and an intellectual leader for a cohesive policy framework for the populist conservatism that resonates with Trump's base. —Nik Popli, TIME, 15 July 2024

Instead, the president will hope that a unifying message in a time of crisis can resonate with voters. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈrez-ᵊn-ˌāt 

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