ORALLY Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

oral

adjective

ˈȯr-əl

Definition of oral

as in vocal

expressed or communicated by voice a baby's crying is usually interpreted as an oral expression of distress

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 oral Injectable medications have been a major part of the market, while oral formulations are adding another format to the category. — Emma Clapp, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 However, since oral ivermectin is approved in children for other parasitic infections who weigh at least 33 lbs, doctors can use it to treat lice off-label. — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Those with pollen allergies can experience oral allergy syndrome, a mild reaction to certain foods that occurs when the immune system mistakes them for pollen. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 Alfozan is charged with using or endeavoring to use a device to intercept oral communications, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oral

Adjective

During a June 11 meeting where the commission reluctantly agreed to put the question on the ballot after a judge ordered them to do so, Gabela was one of the most vocal opponents of the deal, the terms of which date back to 2016 and 2017.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
As the song unfolds, the drums, lead vocal, background vocals, chord movement and production all play a role in carrying and reshaping it, allowing the sections to feel distinctly different while still remaining tightly connected.

— David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of vocal

Adjective

Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The victim told officers that her soon-to-be ex-husband, identified as Fitzgerald, had come to her home multiple times after making verbal threats over the phone.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of verbal

Adjective

The two previously worked together on five albums featuring autobiographical lyrics and spoken-word performances.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Jones also described free community film screenings paired with local food and musical performances, as well as plans for dance, theater and spoken-word programming.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of spoken

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

Definition of voiced

Adjective

For all their speed-to-market and trend obsessions, fashion companies struggle to update the systems and materials that go into their products, meaning churn reigns and improvements are consigned to that oft-uttered utopian destination known as ‘when there’s time’.

— Brooke Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Each line encourages a body to shift when uttered or even when read silently to oneself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026

Definition of uttered

Browse Nearby Words

oracular

oral

orate

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“Oral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oral. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of oral

adjective

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