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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 oratory
Darrow, in spite of his powerful oratory, and in spite of outmaneuvering Bryan during their exchange, was up against the fact that Scopes had admitted to teaching evolution, in violation of the Butler Act.
—
Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
On Friday, as the Rams prepared for the second night of the draft, McVay used his oratory skills before another assemblage of pros.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
On Friday, as the Rams prepared for the second night of the draft, McVay used his oratory skills before another assemblage of pros.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
-
Reagan’s speech is included in millions of administration records governed by the Presidential Record Act signed in 1981 by his predecessor, President Jimmy Carter.—
Bill Barrow,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
-
However, the ad selects and splices certain lines from the five-minute address rather than playing the remarks in the order they were delivered or reproducing the speech in its entirety.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The anti-American side focuses exclusively on the tragedies, usually makes slavery the chief argument for the prosecution, and dismisses the triumphs as hypocritical rhetoric.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Karbler hopes the rhetoric begins to diminish.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Players understanding the play calls filtered through his thick Southern elocution.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
-
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
-
Toastmasters meetings help participants improve public speaking, communication and professional presentation skills.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Her advocacy extended to public speaking, testifying before Congress and various governmental bodies, and developing educational resources for substance abuse prevention.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share