as in conversation
talking or a talk between two or more people
Thomas Jefferson is said to have been able to participate in knowledgeable discourse on a breathtaking array of subjects
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourse
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Think of it as a sleek and uncomfortable time capsule of the past half decade of #MeToo discourse, or as a character study of flawed intellectuals desperately attempting to perform their values while clinging to the facade of their respective identities.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 10 Oct. 2025
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 May 2025
This is utter nonsense, and discourse about practically any new game on the market has become so toxic that staying off the internet entirely is the only way avoid it.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourse
Noun
Turns out there could’ve been more discourse around Zohran Mamdani’s appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Think of it as a sleek and uncomfortable time capsule of the past half decade of #MeToo discourse, or as a character study of flawed intellectuals desperately attempting to perform their values while clinging to the facade of their respective identities.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
This is utter nonsense, and discourse about practically any new game on the market has become so toxic that staying off the internet entirely is the only way avoid it.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discourse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
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What To Know While speaking with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Friday, Mamdani was asked about his conversation with the state's attorney general.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Oct. 2025
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The event features a conversation with Claudia Sahm, chief economist of New Century Advisors and former section chief at the Federal Reserve Board.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Augusta was a devout Christian who often lectured the Bible to her sons and blamed alcohol and women for the evils of the world, per the outlet.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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Clarke and his business partner sold photographs and films, wrote and lectured about their adventures, and began treasure hunting.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Diane Brady is an award-winning business journalist and author who has interviewed newsmakers worldwide and often speaks about the global business landscape.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
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In an interview with the BBC's Scott Mills on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show, Swift spoke about the differences and similarities with her job versus her future husband's.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The discussion comes amid a huge surge in spending on data-center infrastructure.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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By bringing us back to the question of land, Tuck and Yang invite discussion on how the abstraction of decolonization has hindered material efforts towards solidarity.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As most pregnant people can attest, talking to your baby while they are still safely tucked away in the womb is one of the most comforting ways to feel that the two of you are connected.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
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Alice Marie Johnson, some people are trying to talk to Trump at Mar-a-Lago, some people are trying to get on Fox News to pitch their case.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Truman would never have harangued the international community that America is First, or obstructed every effort to better the lot of humanity by asking what’s in it for the U.S., not in coming decades but during this news cycle.—
Andreas Kluth,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
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Philadelphia Phillies fan Drew Feltwell wants people to lay off the woman who harangued him and his son over a home run ball at a game last week.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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My and my colleagues’ research into the ways brain activity across people aligns or diverges as they converse suggests that seeking to persuade may not be the most fruitful way to approach a conversation.—
Emily Falk,
Scientific American,
25 Sep. 2025
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Liv Hewson ended up wearing the pink converse sneakers.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Islamabad — Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared in recent days with the exchange of deadly gunfire between the neighbors that has stoked fears of a wider conflict.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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Yossi's brother, Eli Sharabi, was also kidnapped during the attacks and was later released in a hostages-for-prisoners exchange deal.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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