1
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
given the opportunity, many politicians will orate at considerable length on just about any subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the respected anthropologist is expected to orate about her latest research findings before a packed auditorium
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of orate
The Open Meeting Act prohibits directors from discussing (or orating) on matters not disclosed on the agenda, per Civil Code Section 4930(a).
—
Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
The latter went on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and orated about his marathon oration sesh last week in Congress.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Elegantly orating about universal vastness and human connection, the Chilean/French rapper’s delivery melds poetic prose with grace.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups?
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
Perhaps a chatbot can even orate.
—David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023
Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
The latter went on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and orated about his marathon oration sesh last week in Congress.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Elegantly orating about universal vastness and human connection, the Chilean/French rapper’s delivery melds poetic prose with grace.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups?
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
Perhaps a chatbot can even orate.
—David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orate
Verb
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Both are also, objectively speaking, disgusting.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
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Some viewers praised Daniel for speaking candidly about his experiences, while others questioned whether graduation was the appropriate setting for the remarks.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The cruel cartoon of a constantly shrewish, venal, and disloyal Mary began cementing itself in the public mind when William Herndon, Lincoln’s Springfield law partner, started lecturing about his reminiscences within months of the President’s murder.—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Also, don’t lecture your teens and don’t expect constant gratitude.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Woody Harrelson declaims every line, upping the relentless factor of Phil’s mania.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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In the theater, poets declaimed their newest works while musicians competed on the kithara.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Thankfully, Kristine Froseth adds pep as a bimbo who hasn’t yet learned how to talk as leadenly as everyone else.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
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At many such events in the past, people seated near me have talked throughout the concert.—
Maggie Penman,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Benatia got a three-month suspension for haranguing a fourth official.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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While American pundits wrote haranguing op-eds warning that the breaking of diplomatic precedent would prompt China to escalate war, ordinary people in Taiwan celebrated.—
Michelle Kuo,
The Dial,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This lucidity not only makes his work readable but also staves off the perception that discourse about UFOs and the CIA must be riddled with conspiratorial paranoia.—
Louis Bury,
ARTnews.com,
1 May 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orate. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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