1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
Others are former legacy news anchors, who have gained traction by slinging challenging oratory.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Inches from Okananwa’s face, Frese delivered a vehement oratory to the junior.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
The Catholic Church’s work with young people in Italy largely relies on oratories, parish spaces where children and teenagers gather after school for sports and recreational activities.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
His toughness, off-the-cuff oratory skills and preference for coaching defense all come from the man whose traits were forged in a northeastern Pennsylvania town his family has called home for more than a century.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Inches from Okananwa’s face, Frese delivered a vehement oratory to the junior.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
The Catholic Church’s work with young people in Italy largely relies on oratories, parish spaces where children and teenagers gather after school for sports and recreational activities.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
His toughness, off-the-cuff oratory skills and preference for coaching defense all come from the man whose traits were forged in a northeastern Pennsylvania town his family has called home for more than a century.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
-
The president will headline the event and give a speech.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
The policy says students within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools retain First Amendment rights while also outlining circumstances the school can restrict speech deemed disruptive.—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Despite rhetoric, 'financial gravity' still drives most firms toward short-term gains, as the Business Roundtable's actions showed.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
This era of social media and national political rhetoric accentuate everyday differences.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The language went on to experience centuries of tumult: Viking invasions, which introduced Old Norse influence; Anglo-Norman French rule, which shifted the language of the elite to French; and 18th-Century grammarians, who dictated norms with their elocution and grammar guides.—
Valerie M. Fridland,
The Conversation,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Players understanding the play calls filtered through his thick Southern elocution.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Students earned a Top 5 finish in the Novice Division of a public speaking contest, participated in livestock projects, online judging contests and horse judging.—
Stephanie Ogilvie,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
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Many are developing skills such as public speaking or AI fluency, while around 10% are even willing to move laterally or take a step down in title to gain more experience before the next step, according to Deloitte.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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