as in to rant
disapproving
to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right
We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pontificate
During Pope Francis’ pontificate, the Vatican’s engagement with the world of sport has ramped up significantly.
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George Ramsay, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024
Trump reportedly pontificated about striking fentanyl labs inside Mexico during his first term.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
At the time, Werfel adhered to bohemian ways, pontificating in cafés and shouting slogans at leftist demonstrations.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The writer, so able to pontificate at length about ideas, struggles to untangle his feelings for both women.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
George Ramsay, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024
Trump reportedly pontificated about striking fentanyl labs inside Mexico during his first term.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
At the time, Werfel adhered to bohemian ways, pontificating in cafés and shouting slogans at leftist demonstrations.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The writer, so able to pontificate at length about ideas, struggles to untangle his feelings for both women.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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Viewers have also been ranting and raving about the film, with many stuck on one scene in particular that tells the deep rooted journey of Black music through scenery.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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That venue decision takes away the D.C. district court’s jurisdiction where Judge James E. Boasberg has been ranting about Trump.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In April 2024, Yelp named it one of the best brunch spots in the United States as people went online to rave about the food, customer service and outdoor seating, McClatchy News reported.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2025
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Redick has used the term to describe the Lakers’ video coordinators, to rave about Portland’s Toumani Camara’s defense and the impact of Jarred Vanderbilt’s return from injury.—
Dan Woike,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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