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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourse
Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
In popular discourse, the word has taken on a life of its own, as an insult deployed without clear reference to any theory of psychology.
—David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 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
As awareness spread, the song and its creator ignited a discourse of both supportive and opposing perspectives, with SZA and Kehlani among the most prominent opponents.
—Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
In popular discourse, the word has taken on a life of its own, as an insult deployed without clear reference to any theory of psychology.
—David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 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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McDaniel’s job status has been a constant topic of conversation this season, and although the team looked competent on Thursday, the results weren’t there, and patience from fans appears to be at a low point.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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The conversation seems to have marked a shift in the right’s attitudes about Fuentes.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The same government that lectures Beijing about state capitalism and nonmarket behaviors now practices it at home.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
22 Oct. 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,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Another Dodger Japanese pitching star, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was the series' MVP after winning three games, also spoke in English.—
Steve Futterman,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The eyeball test says BYU and Cincinnati are legit good, and Texas Tech belongs in that same discussion.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Oct. 2025
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And this model of access, dependent on negotiation and renegotiation and repeated discussions about individual items, is neither sustainable nor capable of delivering aid at the scale that is needed.—
Anna Halford,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Connor called 911 for help, and authorities tried to locate Mallory while also talking to the rest of the friends about what happened.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Her focus is less on the reason for the decline than on the question of why people—even close family members—stopped talking with one another.—
Alex Kotlowitz,
The Atlantic,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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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He and O’Ward converse in Spanish.—
Nick Remsen,
Vogue,
24 Oct. 2025
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Joy’s voice sits inside a rich octet, where horns and piano converse like old friends.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In exchange, the United States lowered some of its tariffs.—
Mira Rapp-Hooper,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
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In the third quarter, revenue decreased by 4 percent at constant exchange also due to slow tourism.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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