ventriloquism
noun
ven·tril·o·quism
ven-ˈtri-lə-ˌkwi-zəm 
1
: the production of the voice in such a way that the sound seems to come from a source other than the vocal organs of the speaker
2
: the expression of one's views and attitudes through another
especially
: such expression by a writer through a fictional character or literary persona
Examples of ventriloquism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nashville puppeteer makes 'Sesame Street’ history Once a shy, nervous little girl, the art of ventriloquism helped Megan Piphus break out of her shell.
—
Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025
This act of ventriloquism, so much more painfully proximate than Remy’s self-identification with Crusoe, proved immediately influential and lastingly controversial.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
In an act of prime ministerial ventriloquism, Prime Minister Mark Carney had Charles deliver Canada’s throne speech, a ceremony in which elected politicians sit humbly in the presence of a ceremonial figurehead who reads words written by the politician who is actually in charge.
—Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025
This emotional ventriloquism is a big part of Mr. Cooper’s approach and appeal.
—Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ventriloquism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025
This act of ventriloquism, so much more painfully proximate than Remy’s self-identification with Crusoe, proved immediately influential and lastingly controversial.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
In an act of prime ministerial ventriloquism, Prime Minister Mark Carney had Charles deliver Canada’s throne speech, a ceremony in which elected politicians sit humbly in the presence of a ceremonial figurehead who reads words written by the politician who is actually in charge.
—Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025
This emotional ventriloquism is a big part of Mr. Cooper’s approach and appeal.
—Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ventriloquism
Cite this Entry
“Ventriloquism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquism. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share