1
as in vocal
expressed or communicated by voice
a baby's crying is usually interpreted as an oral expression of distress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in verbal
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing
lawyers for the plaintiff will be presenting oral arguments before the Supreme Court next week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 oral
In these cases, mouthwash may disrupt beneficial oral bacteria that support healthy blood vessel function.
—
Laura Bradley, Health, 3 June 2026
The price of weight loss drugs has been falling in 2026 with the launch of Novo’s Wegovy pill and Lilly’s oral Foundayo, with prices that start at $149 per month for the lowest dose.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 3 June 2026
Researchers at Yale University found that Babbel learners who completed a semester-equivalent of Spanish study—about 15 hours—saw their oral proficiency improve by 100% in three months.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026
Daraxonrasib is an oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor designed to block signaling from both mutant and non-mutant RAS proteins.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for oral
Laura Bradley, Health, 3 June 2026
The price of weight loss drugs has been falling in 2026 with the launch of Novo’s Wegovy pill and Lilly’s oral Foundayo, with prices that start at $149 per month for the lowest dose.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 3 June 2026
Researchers at Yale University found that Babbel learners who completed a semester-equivalent of Spanish study—about 15 hours—saw their oral proficiency improve by 100% in three months.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026
Daraxonrasib is an oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor designed to block signaling from both mutant and non-mutant RAS proteins.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for oral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oral
Adjective
-
Pink is no comedian and many of the show’s bits fell flat, but the star’s fandom seemed genuine and her vocal prowess the envy of many a Tony nominee.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
The 79th Annual Tony Awards were a fitting coda to the 2025–26 Broadway season, offering all the requisite nostalgia, vocal prowess, ensemble energy, and a generous amount of pelvic thrusting.—
Lea Donenberg,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Rick is tightly scheduled, punctilious to a fault, endowed with verbal wit that gently but firmly shapes and smooths social interactions.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
-
Refusing to follow verbal or printed instructions or cooperate with park personnel or security.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
According to the firm, the dual-domain architecture enables the robot to interpret spoken instructions, understand its environment, generate action plans, and execute physical tasks with coordinated motion.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
-
On June 17, city officials will host the 7th Annual District of Pride Showcase, which will include live music, drag performances and spoken word.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sanders, who co-directed the original movie and voiced Stitch, reprised his voice-over role in the 2025 update.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
-
Several cast members returned, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Each line encourages a body to shift when uttered or even when read silently to oneself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
Grant attempted to leave the building, uttered threats and made physical contact with two officers, police said.—
Dennis Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oral. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
