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 more severe cases of hair loss, a doctor might prescribe oral minoxidil, which is generally absorbed better by the body but also typically comes with more side effects.
—
Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The Miami Hurricanes have their quarterback for the Class of 2027, as Israel Abrams on Friday announced his oral commitment to UM.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Like lenacapavir, cabotegravir is both preferred by patients over and more effective than oral PrEP.
—Michael Rose, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Following Wegovy’s recent launch of the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication, another weight-loss pill has been approved by the FDA.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oral
Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The Miami Hurricanes have their quarterback for the Class of 2027, as Israel Abrams on Friday announced his oral commitment to UM.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Like lenacapavir, cabotegravir is both preferred by patients over and more effective than oral PrEP.
—Michael Rose, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Following Wegovy’s recent launch of the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication, another weight-loss pill has been approved by the FDA.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oral
Adjective
-
Sánchez was also among the most vocal critics of Israel's actions in its war in Gaza.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But despite his vocal disinterest in acquiring old legacy brands, the Axel Springer CEO has repeatedly attempted to do the opposite.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Physically frail, yet in full verbal command, Julian doesn’t talk to Lori so much as at her, pausing only to fire off questions that harden, in midair, into assumptions.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Roediger allegedly saw the woman speaking with her boyfriend in the front yard on her bedroom security monitor and then went to the front door where a verbal altercation ensued.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These echoes of dance music’s past inject new life into the 25-year-old British artist’s soft-spoken oeuvre.—
Aimee Cliff,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Whereas listening to a spoken explanation requires sustained attention and is subject to interpretation, a flowchart presents information objectively.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 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
-
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 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
