discourse 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-ˌskȯrs How to pronounce discourse (audio)
Definition of discoursenext
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

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

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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

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
  1. conversation
  2. lecture
  3. speak
  4. discussion
  5. talk
  6. harangue
  7. converse
  8. declaim
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
Definition of conversation
Verb
  • The following May, Rogers accepted an invitation from Lee to lecture at two universities in China.
    — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Often, the pincher is in the company of an elder who lectures to her.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of lecture
Verb
  • The Associated Press spoke last week to participants and doctors at the health center where the trial is taking place in the eastern province of Ituri, the epicenter of the outbreak.
    — CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The two defendants in the Manchester case spoke in court through interpreters, only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses, PA reported.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of speak
Noun
  • Advertisement In many circles, the first mention of climate policy in the EU tends to be a discussion about backtracking.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • More Before lawmakers departed Washington to focus on campaigning ahead of the November elections, AI companies were still in active discussions on Capitol Hill.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Verb
  • Instead of the live stream being cut, or at the very least muted between players talking to reporters, KCRA's rolled on, and two female reporters in attendance were caught making quite the admissions about LaVine and Simmons.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Following the operation, Dasha will be on complete vocal rest — absolutely no talking allowed — for two weeks, then will begin vocal rehab to learn how to talk and sing properly a few weeks later.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
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
Definition of harangue
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
Definition of converse
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
Definition of declaim

Browse Nearby Words

discouraging
discourse
discoursed
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Cite this Entry

“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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