soapbox

noun

soap·​box ˈsōp-ˌbäks How to pronounce soapbox (audio)
: an improvised platform used by a self-appointed, spontaneous, or informal orator
broadly : something that provides an outlet for delivering opinions
soapbox adjective

Example Sentences

some readers don't appreciate that she sometimes uses her book blog as a soapbox for her political views
Recent Examples on the Web Carlson’s departure from prime-time cable to any soapbox that will have him (Daily Wire? Ana Marie Cox, The New Republic, 5 May 2023 Not everything is a soapbox. William Earl, Variety, 4 Dec. 2022 But there were other songs, which were more personal than soapbox speeches. Mike Sacks, The New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2023 The ban was enacted after downtown merchants, led by magnate John D. Spreckels, complained that union organizers from the Industrial Workers of the World, Socialists, Anarchists and other soapbox orators were disrupting commerce near their businesses. San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Jan. 2022 Without standing on a soapbox, these films, all Oscar contenders to one degree or another, remind viewers that movies are meant to be a communal experience, shared in a big, dark room full of strangers, sparking the imaginations of hundreds of people at the same moment. Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2023 My soapbox is open again. cleveland, 10 May 2021 Matt Caputo on his soapbox. Taylor Stevens, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Apr. 2021 Anyway, off my soapbox. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2011 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soapbox.' 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

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soapbox was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near soapbox

Cite this Entry

“Soapbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soapbox. Accessed 27 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

soapbox

noun
soap·​box -ˌbäks How to pronounce soapbox (audio)
: something used as a platform (as on a street) by someone giving a speech to passersby
soapbox adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on soapbox

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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