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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The Liberty Justice Center was preparing to challenge the unprecedented use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to unilaterally impose the tariffs — and after speaking with dozens of other small businesses, the group selected Schwartz as the lead plaintiff.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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States are expected to ensure drivers can speak English before giving them a commercial license, and law enforcement is expected to check driver's language skills during any traffic stops or inspections.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There are, unfortunately, far too many examples of women who marry high-profile figures only to be harangued for expressing anything other than gratitude and graciousness.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The tone was all the more remarkable because Desmond had previously spoken admiringly of Rodgers’ coaching capabilities and did not harangue him as supporters did when Rodgers abruptly left Celtic for Leicester City in 2019.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
28 Oct. 2025
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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Vance’s speech got a cool reception from European leaders who said they felt lectured.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
18 Feb. 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 please talk to us instead of just making more or less random statements on social media.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
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For me, skiing is more about effort than fun—schlepping gear, attempting to not freeze, talking myself down from a fear of heights.—
Claire Sibonney,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 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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The most explicitly political of the year’s major contenders is also the odds-on Best Picture front-runner, which has made OBAA discourse the season’s most inescapable topic.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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