oratorio

noun

Definition of oratorionext
as in paean

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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 oratorio The oratorio concerns the death of an old man and his journey into paradise. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Dec. 2025 This one-of-a-kind Spanish-language oratorio will be released next year. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025 Few singers today dispatch the aria with the panache of Gerald Finley, who performs the oratorio next week with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, from December 16 to 21. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 13 Dec. 2025 But her fourth album, Lux, adopts the sound and ambitions of a classical oratorio to mirror the modern quest for salvation, in all its thrilling and frustrating contours. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oratorio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratorio
  1. paean
  2. mass
  3. hallelujah
  4. processional
  5. dirge
  6. requiem
  7. chorale
Noun
  • The whole thing is a paean to friendship, unexpected success, and partying.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The invigorating result, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, is a portrait of friendship and camaraderie as much as a paean to an era of experimental New York theater that still shines like a beacon.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of paean
Noun
  • Physics remains stubbornly unwilling to negotiate with Audi's engineers, so there is only so much that suspension tuning and electronics can do with that much mass.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Japan's crime rate is relatively low, but some high-profile mass killings have occurred in recent years.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of mass
Noun
  • And a road win without Pat Surtain II would be the surest hallelujah yet.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 1 Nov. 2025
  • There’d be a brief silence, before all the voices flooded in and the whole circle would catch fire like an unending wall of the most resounding hallelujah imaginable.
    — Jack Chang, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024
Definition of hallelujah
Noun
  • The wedding processional began with the majestic, resonant tones of the historic church organ, setting a reverent and grand atmosphere.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • The opening night will include a red carpet, a live traditional bagpipe processional, and then a screening of Braveheart followed by a Q&A and keynote with Wallace.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of processional
Noun
  • Nobody wants to be subjected to one more triggering, off-key note of an Edwin Díaz dirge.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This is the starting point of Earth 7, Deb Olin Unferth’s stellar and sweeping science fiction novel that is part cosmic comedy and part dirge to our dying world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of dirge
Noun
  • And for me, ‘Amor Eterno,’ coincidentally also patterns how most requiems start, which is requiem eternum, eternal rest, eternal love.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
  • The biggest difference is probably how Laurie plays the final requiem.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 4 May 2026
Definition of requiem
Noun
  • Sessions will be led by Elgin Master Chorale Music Director Andrew Lewis and members of the chorale’s staff.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • One time he was told to write something from Bach, like a Bach chorale.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
Definition of chorale

Browse Nearby Words

oratorical
oratorio
oratorios
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Cite this Entry

“Oratorio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorio. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oratorio

Nglish: Translation of oratorio for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oratorio

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