treatise

noun

trea·​tise ˈtrē-təs How to pronounce treatise (audio)
 also  -təz
1
: a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached
a treatise on higher education
2
obsolete : account, tale

Examples of treatise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Throughout that first treatise, Locke excoriated the divine right of kings. Time, 1 July 2025 And that this treatise describes an early form of cataract surgery that involves dislodging the lens of the eye with an oversized needle, all without anesthesia? Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 26 June 2025 Like Top Gun: Maverick, another recent Kosinski/Kruger collaboration, F1 is a treatise about its star in the form of a drama about going really fast. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 June 2025 Adapting Ed McBain’s detective novel King’s Ransom, Kurosawa moves effortlessly from compelling race-against-time thriller to exacting social commentary, creating a diabolical treatise on contemporary Japanese society. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for treatise

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tretis, from Anglo-French tretiz, alteration of tretez, traitet, from Medieval Latin tractatus, from Latin tractare to treat, handle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of treatise was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treatise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treatise. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

treatise

noun
trea·​tise ˈtrēt-əs How to pronounce treatise (audio)
: a book or article examining a subject carefully and completely

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