Definition of discoursenext

discourse

2 of 2

verb

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

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 discourse
Noun
As an art student in the 1950s, McNeely was diagnosed with cancer, so when feminist art and discourse soon after came to center on empowerment, independence, and strength, her experience did not fit neatly in. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 And that’s growing, even though, for a while, the issues seem to almost have been downplayed in the official media discourse. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
All the while, discourse around the television series has formed a buzzy backdrop to the sale. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for discourse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
  • Flournoy was joined in conversation by Brit Bennett, author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Vanishing Half, and Raven Leilani, author of The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize-winning book Luster.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • As part of the honor, Basner participated in an onstage conversation on Saturday moderated by German Oscar-winning director Edward Berger.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The following May, Rogers accepted an invitation from Lee to lecture at two universities in China.
    — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Often, the pincher is in the company of an elder who lectures to her.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • After the game, manager Hinch spoke about planning the special moment ahead of Verlander’s official retirement with the help of Upton.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026
  • If your flight is impacted, speak to a customer service agent at the airport and Hopper recommends reaching out to the airline through their app or by giving them a call at the same time as well.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Its website describes virtual events, group chats and online discussions for members who live in smaller communities, prefer remote participation or cannot easily attend local activities.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Any discussion of taxes represents general information and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice.
    — Rob Edwards, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of the live stream being cut, or at the very least muted between players talking to reporters, KCRA's rolled on, and two female reporters in attendance were caught making quite the admissions about LaVine and Simmons.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Following the operation, Dasha will be on complete vocal rest — absolutely no talking allowed — for two weeks, then will begin vocal rehab to learn how to talk and sing properly a few weeks later.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • No president has publicly harangued and harassed the Fed more to lower interest rates.
    — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Benatia got a three-month suspension for haranguing a fourth official.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • He was known at the Academy for his wit, his writing skills and his Friday Lunch tradition where staff members from various departments would join him to eat and converse.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In her Arizona projects, Lerner says the front is becoming an extension of how people enjoy their morning coffee, move through the day, converse with neighbors in the evening, and relax before going indoors.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Related Stories Cruise, declaiming every line, acting with blind bluster and a mean gleam of good-ol’-boy joy, makes Digger a walking cartoon — a larger-than-life satire of over-the-top American arrogance, like LBJ crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • And the conversations between Anna and Molly, Ella and Julia (Ella’s friend and a counterpart of Molly), as well as the stammering and declaiming when Anna talks to herself, are almost always about men.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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