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
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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
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In a June 30 speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, the Republican lawmaker said he was hospitalized several months ago and diagnosed with depression.
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Steinbaugh argued the email was protected speech under the First Amendment and does not represent a legitimate threat.
Noun
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For too long Western leaders have been deterred by Putin’s escalation rhetoric.
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Concha argued that her positions and rhetoric reflect a broader shift in the Democratic Party toward socialism and extremism.
Noun
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The most important of all communication skills for influencing others is public speaking.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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