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
Leave it to Skip Rutherford to elevate the level of public discourse. — Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026 In the weeks since, the mainstream discourse around AI has sharply turned for the worst. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 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
  • Sigurd’s departure only deepens this cynicism, which Livia clings to for 27 years — until the pair reconnect on the phone for a truly excruciating conversation.
    — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Apple provided a look at its latest devices at the beginning of September, complete with AI features on the Watch Series 12 that will listen to your conversations.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Earhart lectured at the school before embarking on her final flight.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Driving around the region to lecture and guide tours, his travel costs have soared and led him to raise his prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Fortune’s efforts to speak directly with participants in Armstrong’s and Lev’s retreats were unsuccessful.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The filmmaker has spoken about his personal connection to the material, which is informed by his own experience of leaving the village for a better life, to send money home.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • It could be put on the Faculty Senate's agenda for discussion as soon as next week, several professors said in interviews.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Jackson used a portion of his rebuttal to try and refocus the discussion on Collins.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sitting in one of the ship’s myriad bars and talking to strangers is one of the most interesting, and often lovely, things a person can do on board.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wells' friends said Wells did not return to the mainland with them, choosing instead to stay behind to talk with a girl, a claim his family has disputed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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