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
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
At the time, a counter-discourse was also emerging that sought to challenge the Atlanticist hegemony over the historicization of art from the non-Western world.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 1 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
Right now, the discourse veers wildly between hype and panic, leaving little space for sober analysis.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
At the time, a counter-discourse was also emerging that sought to challenge the Atlanticist hegemony over the historicization of art from the non-Western world.
—Simon Njami, Artforum, 1 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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Famous Last Words, based on the Danish format Det Sidste Ord, captures longform, deeply personal conversations with major luminaries.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Oct. 2025
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Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
3 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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Actions speak louder than words, though, and Breslow’s actions last offseason put the Red Sox in a better spot to contend.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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In the series’ final chapters, Gein is also shown speaking to Jorgensen, in a fantastical conversation, via ham radio while in prison.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While what kind of crust a Key Lime pie should have is often up for discussion, there’s no debate as heated as what should top the tangy pie.—
Amber Love Bond,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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Near the end of the day, Haag gathered her students for their usual wrap-up discussion.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 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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The exchanges have included headline-making ripostes from Christian Pulisic and his entourage.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The second phase of the drill will include exchanges between British and Indian naval personnel.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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