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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Recent Examples of pontificate
Francis chose to use that platform to pontificate against the war in the Gaza Strip, for example, and even rebuked President Donald Trump’s stance on immigration.
—
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 9 May 2025
For nearly two decades, this central meeting hub has provided a space for industry professionals and festival goers alike to educate, discuss and pontificate over networking events, panels and more.
—Elsa Ramo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Who wants to pontificate about the place, let alone reminisce, when there’s an issue to close?
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The late Mike Leach, known for pontificating on theoretical blockbuster animal battles, cued up videos of a particular animal before games and tied a theme to each one.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 9 May 2025
For nearly two decades, this central meeting hub has provided a space for industry professionals and festival goers alike to educate, discuss and pontificate over networking events, panels and more.
—Elsa Ramo, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Who wants to pontificate about the place, let alone reminisce, when there’s an issue to close?
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The late Mike Leach, known for pontificating on theoretical blockbuster animal battles, cued up videos of a particular animal before games and tied a theme to each one.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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The alleged caller, Troy L. Kennard, 54, ranted about the city’s homeless shelters and immigrants.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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At another time, a perpetually anxious comedian who can’t keep from ranting about his paranoid worries about the end of the world probably would not feel like such a helpful guide to life.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As one 5-star reviewer raved, 'This dip was a hit with my entire family.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Aug. 2025
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In his March 2018 GQ cover story, the actor raved about his encounter with Cudi, before singing his praises at his 40th birthday party in 2024.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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