Synonyms of discourse

discourse 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-ˌskȯrs 

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

• conversation
• discussion
• converse
• exchange
• dialogue
• chat
• debate
• colloquy
• banter
• raillery
• persiflage
• prattle
• babble
• symposium
• chaff
• repartee
• cross fire
• small talk
• chatter
• chitchat
• conference
• give-and-take
• roundtable
• prate
• table talk
• parley
• deliberation
• confabulation
• palaver
• gabfest
• natter
• round-robin
• gossip
• rap
• chin-wag

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

• lecture
• speak
• talk
• harangue
• expatiate
• declaim
• descant
• hold forth
• orate
• take the floor
• soliloquize
• sermonize
• pontificate
• expound
• mouth
• recite
• dissert
• spout
• filibuster

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

• speak
• harangue
• mouth (off)
• talk
• declaim
• orate
• rant
• lecture
• perorate
• preach
• rave
• announce
• broadcast
• proclaim
• sermonize
• bloviate
• advertise
• pronounce
• blow
• speechify
• declare

Example Sentences

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