Thesaurus results for DIS-COURSE

discourse 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-ˌskȯrs

Definition of discourse

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

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discourse

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

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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 discourse

Noun

The News OpenAI’s attempt to rebrand data centers and set a new tone for AI policy discourse after the midterms is landing with a thud in some circles, including with members of Congress. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026 Fox and Sinensky co-wrote the show drawing on actual statements from the online discourse. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Verb

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 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

During the conversation, the comedian and award-winning podcaster shared that there was one specific guest who left her in awe.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2026
Riley’s name has been quietly popping up in Heisman Trophy conversations in recent weeks as the 5-foot-10 running back has led the nation in rushing yards for much of the season.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of conversation

Verb

This is how a senior diplomat can lecture British bureaucrats about North Korea’s victimhood one day and then flee North Korea with his entire family a few weeks later.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
At a time when everyone is asking where men fit in, this film doesn’t lecture.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of lecture

Verb

There was an emotional embrace between Javits's father and students at the school who spoke about their late friend, and gave a message to his killers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Next week, Jason speaks with 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post White House bureau chief Isaac Arnsdorf, about the blue tsunami in the 2026 midterms.

— Press Freedom Desk, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of speak

Noun

National governments will already be looking at their aviation authority regulations and frameworks and there will be discussions at the European and global level, John Edwards, senior consultant at Gates Aviation in London, said by phone.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Zelensky’s comments in an interview aired late Thursday followed two days of discussions among allies in Brussels that focused on postwar security and reconstruction.

— Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of discussion

Verb

Pat Hynes talks with supporters after defeating Fritz Kaegi for the Democratic nomination for Cook County assessor on primary election night, March 17, 2026, at Salerno's Pizzeria & Sports Bar in Hodgkins.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
This is aggravating because Matt’s arrogance is extremely annoying, and Alex keeps giving him reasons to talk.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of talk

Verb

Modern scholars have usually read them silently or, if reading aloud, declaimed them in a more or less theatrical manner.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of declaim

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discouraging

discourse

discoursed

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Style

“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of discourse

noun

verb

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