speaking 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of speakingnext
as in talking

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Dissimilar Words

speaking

2 of 3

noun

as in communication

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Dissimilar Words

speaking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of speak
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

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.
Recent Examples of speaking
Adjective
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take inventory of your home and see what's still working and what could use an update—both practically speaking, and in terms of aesthetics. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025 This will be a recurring non-speaking role that pays $195 for 12 hours of work. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
The iconic Disney film also starred Scott Weinger as the voice of Aladdin and Williams, who died in 2014 at the age of 63, as the speaking and singing voice of Genie. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 To help close the gap in medical care, Greenwald is trying to publicize her ideas, through her book and public speaking. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
Judges mingled with customers at a coffee shop before speaking at the domed, ornate Westmoreland County Courthouse. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 The court loss happened in May 2025, and at the time, Harry said his father was no longer speaking to him because of the legal dispute. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for speaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speaking
  1. communicative
  2. talking
  3. saying
  4. lecturing
  5. articulate
  6. uttering
  7. telling
  8. discussing
Adjective
  • But the highest-value layer will be people who combine financial fluency with the kind of strategic, communicative intelligence that helps the whole organization make better decisions.
    — Jack O'Hara, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish.
    — Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of communicative
Noun
  • Perhaps more than any other leading manager in the game, Tuchel is defined by his straight-talking, his honest assessments, his lack of filter.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • In an article for Marie Claire, Rapinoe trotted out several common left-wing talking points aimed at scaring rational-thinking people into believing that keeping males out of women's sports is somehow bad for girls and women.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • Saudi Arabia briefly issued warnings in two locations before lifting them several minutes later, saying the danger had passed.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • That report was correct, Swinehart said, but Smith told staff to release a statement saying Smith herself had trained Nicole Tepper.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of saying
Verb
  • In no way, shape or form should an INDYCAR driver be lecturing NASCAR on the excitement level of races.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • He was internationally known as an expert on the work of William Faulkner, teaching and lecturing around the world on the Nobel Prize winner.
    — Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of lecturing
Adjective
  • Which is why the delivery of a frank but highly articulate speech about desire, especially to the very person one desires, proves unbearably intense.
    — André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • Building that culture starts with mission, vision, and values that leadership doesn’t just articulate but actively lives, setting the standard for the entire organization.
    — Gary Zammit, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of articulate
Verb
  • The other was a tearing beauty, a creature so lovely that one look at her sent young men’s blood pressure skyward and set them to uttering wild, hoarse cries and tearing telephone directories apart with the bare hands.
    — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
  • All season, Shamea and Porsha have circled each other, barely uttering a direct word, but the tensions seep to the rest of the group, trickling into every interaction.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of uttering
Verb
  • These short chains of amino acids are found naturally in the body and act as useful messengers, telling cells when to repair damaged tissue, produce hormones, reduce inflammation, and more.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 20 July 2026
  • The presentation blends stories, historical context and quilt traditions to see how textiles are powerful tools for communication, telling stories and preserving culture.
    — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • The new rule will still allow courses discussing DEI and CRT to be taught, but they can’t be required for graduation.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • Bhasin helped write the Endocrine Society’s current guidelines for testosterone, which recommend discussing testosterone with men who have documented symptoms and two blood test results confirming low hormone levels.
    — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of discussing

Phrases Containing speaking

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speak (for)
speaking
speaking (about)
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Cite this Entry

“Speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speaking. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on speaking

Nglish: Translation of speaking for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speaking

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