declaim

1
as in to speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject over the last two centuries some of the most illustrious personages of their times have declaimed in the town's historic lyceum

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2
as in to harangue
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech he declaimed at some length about the nation's obligation to spread democratic values around the world

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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 declaim Oliveira films on location, with the actors in costume, declaiming in boldly theatrical tones that seem wrenched whole from the era of the play’s origins. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 In his tableau-like compositions, with their classical-painterly lighting, his characters declaim, bringing a blunt candor to a refined and abstracted sensibility. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 Dugin could declaim on their work for hours, and did. James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025 Keeping performers’ voices in good condition for that long haul is the province of a tribe of vocal coaches in Hollywood and everywhere else people sing or declaim for their supper. Jonathan Margolis, airmail.news, 21 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for declaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declaim
Verb
  • On Wednesday, Scheffler spoke about the Charles Schwab Challenge, a tournament he’s performed well at over the past few years.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
  • The billionaire South African businessman, Johann Rupert, spoke forcefully too.
    Jonny Steinberg, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Coaches, who represent their schools, are strongly encouraged to work with officials rather than harangue them.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
  • Angela was introduced in the series premiere as the ex-wife of Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton), seen only in haranguing FaceTime calls.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than lecturing, Kahn recommends guiding them to draw their own conclusions.
    Lydia Wang, Parents, 20 May 2025
  • Trump stated during his big speech on the trip that his administration was not there to lecture the region on how to deal with its affairs.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The latter went on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and orated about his marathon oration sesh last week in Congress.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Elegantly orating about universal vastness and human connection, the Chilean/French rapper’s delivery melds poetic prose with grace.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, Chris Rock’s character, Rufus, is talking to Bethany about the difference between having a belief and having an idea.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
  • Mouth can also talk his way out of issues and has a flair for foreign languages, like any smooth-talking Sag.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • During the broadcast Hudson interrupted a question about their relationship, leading to backlash and discourse over her role in the coach’s professional life.
    Glamour, Glamour, 12 May 2025
  • Hypothetical question sparks discourse Celebrity eaglets growing up fast as internet watches on: Meet Sunny and Gizmo River otters usually live up to 12.9 years in captivity, according to Oregon Zoo.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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