as in talking
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as in communication
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in saying
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
finally spoke her fears
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lecturing
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the Mayanists have been invited to speak about their latest archaeological discoveries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of speaking
Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 18 Nov. 2025
Julia may end this episode on a (relatively speaking, always remember) high note, but Henry … oh boy, Henry.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Davidson is a remarkable ambassador for his disability, helping support others with Tourette’s syndrome through public speaking and other activism.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026
Connor Greene, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The general has said that any operation would be made all the more difficult by a lack of allied support, this person said, speaking like others on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
—John Hudson, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speaking
Adjective
Those episodes were beaten out, however, by an episode from Telepathy Tapes, which explores the idea that non-speaking individuals with autism can communicate telepathically.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 18 Nov. 2025
Julia may end this episode on a (relatively speaking, always remember) high note, but Henry … oh boy, Henry.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Off-screen, Chapin was an evangelist who shared her faith through public speaking, ministry and outreach, according to her website.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Davidson is a remarkable ambassador for his disability, helping support others with Tourette’s syndrome through public speaking and other activism.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
In addition to Trump speaking to players over speakerphone, the White House and the President also touted the men’s team’s win over Canada on social media.
—Connor Greene, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The general has said that any operation would be made all the more difficult by a lack of allied support, this person said, speaking like others on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
—John Hudson, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for speaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speaking
Noun
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But that lately has stood as far less of a talking point, with Ware instead receiving opportunities to play as a closer.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
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Racial profiling is virtually a stated part of the department’s strategy, and ad campaigns have openly espoused white-nationalist rhetoric and talking points.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday played down growing worry about the economic impact on oil shipments from the Middle East, saying Japan has oil reserves at home that can last for several months.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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Before the opening loss against South Korea, Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military strikes or the death of her country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the squad needed to focus on the tournament.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That includes lecturing, building curriculum, pursuing research and speaking about university policy.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
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Katie da Cunha Lewin is a writer based in London, currently lecturing in 20th and 21st-century literature at Coventry University.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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From the get-go, Vespaio was incredibly kind and communicative when planning our rehearsal dinner.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
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The steering, though somewhat isolated due to the car’s grand-touring disposition, feels communicative enough to enable and encourage rather spirited cornering.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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About 10%-20% of people with the condition also have what’s known as coprolalia, which manifests in people involuntarily uttering profanity, ethnic slurs and other socially unacceptable words or phrases.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Onscreen, Benedict apologizes for kissing Sophie during a moment of passion near the cottage and reiterates his intent to find work for her without ever uttering the word mistress.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After all, anyone can sound somewhat articulate via email by using AI.—
Melody Wilding,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
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These are articulate, intellectual characters who tend to speak openly about their emotions and even drift into philosophical ruminations.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investigation exposes a decade of abuse The investigation into Joachim began after the victim, age 14, came forward after telling her sister-in-law about the abuse, the DA's office said in a news release.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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In court Monday, the boy’s oldest brother, now 19, once again spoke, telling the judge he is haunted by guilt.—
Dan Sullivan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While discussing the current compensation system in college sports, the president went on a tirade against the Supreme Court for unanimously ruling against the NCAA’s restrictions on noncash compensation for college athletes in 2021.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Mar. 2026
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In footage played in court showing the women following an unmarked vehicle, they can be heard discussing their plan to observe an ICE raid.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speaking. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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