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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of declaim
Does Joyce’s fellow drama kid Alan (Eric Wiegand) hoist a skull aloft and declaim some Shakespeare in a bad English accent?
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
The Koreans have a lesson to share with those whose intellectuals, driven by identity and the metaphysics of difference, declaim ownership of the Enlightenment and its legacy.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
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
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
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
The Koreans have a lesson to share with those whose intellectuals, driven by identity and the metaphysics of difference, declaim ownership of the Enlightenment and its legacy.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
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
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
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declaim
Verb
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Stanton, expected to speak on Saturday, was still receiving treatment after Friday’s game.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Ash Afanan, an analyst in LAHSA’s system and planning department who spoke in a personal capacity, said Friday staff are experiencing widespread fear following the layoff announcement.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While American pundits wrote haranguing op-eds warning that the breaking of diplomatic precedent would prompt China to escalate war, ordinary people in Taiwan celebrated.—
Michelle Kuo,
The Dial,
14 Apr. 2026
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Most presidents have treated it as a chance to note their accomplishments, to harangue Congress into supporting their priorities, and to speak to the American people.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Steve Kerr's new New Yorker interview sounds a lot less like a man eager to lecture Americans and a lot more like a man trying to clean up a mess he's spent years making.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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At Yale, where Garber began her career, Jacques Derrida was a frequent visitor, and Paul de Man might be found down the corridor solemnly lecturing on Nietzsche.—
Charlie Tyson,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Open Meeting Act prohibits directors from discussing (or orating) on matters not disclosed on the agenda, per Civil Code Section 4930(a).—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
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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
Verb
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But past royal visits to Washington have sometimes gone awry − from amorous muskrats to a talking hat.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Before talking to the group, McFadden asked them to take a few minutes to interact.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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From the whitewashing controversy to the toxic love to the daring costumes, the discourse is going to be discoursing.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
13 Feb. 2026
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All the while, discourse around the television series has formed a buzzy backdrop to the sale.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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