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
King’s ability to take ideas from White preachers’ bland sermons and convert them to stirring oratory was part of his genius, Miller says.
—
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Despite his alliance with the Populists and his soaring oratory, Bryan was defeated by the Republican candidate, William McKinley.
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
James Garfield, played by the always intense Michael Shannon, brings his intensity to Garfield's public oratory.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
After escaping from slavery in Maryland in 1838, Douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York and gained fame for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.
—New Atlas, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Despite his alliance with the Populists and his soaring oratory, Bryan was defeated by the Republican candidate, William McKinley.
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
James Garfield, played by the always intense Michael Shannon, brings his intensity to Garfield's public oratory.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
After escaping from slavery in Maryland in 1838, Douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York and gained fame for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.
—New Atlas, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
-
Domestic criticism of the speech has been limited.—
Charlotte Reed,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His positions are left, but his speeches are like butter melting on warm bread.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His disturbing and bloody rhetoric created a twisted equivalence between violent crime and immigrants, most of whom come here to work, raise families and contribute to our population growth and economy.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Racial profiling is virtually a stated part of the department’s strategy, and ad campaigns have openly espoused white-nationalist rhetoric and talking points.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Players understanding the play calls filtered through his thick Southern elocution.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
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The delightful elocution of their dry-as-martini witticisms (dialect coach Nancy Carlin) adds to the joys of this period piece.—
Karen D'Souza,
The Mercury News,
25 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Prior customer service and public speaking experience preferred.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Summitt implored her to take a public speaking course.—
Rebecca Shore Winn,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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