speech

noun

ˈspēch How to pronounce speech (audio)
Definition of speechnext
1
as in lecture
a usually formal discourse delivered to an audience the guest of honor gave a short speech in appreciation of the award

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in language
the stock of words, pronunciation, and grammar used by a people as their basic means of communication wanting to develop a writing system for his people, Sequoya created a system of 86 symbols representing all the syllables of Cherokee speech

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 speech On Thursday, he's scheduled to appear again after a speech from Vice President JD Vance. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026 In a postgame video from the South Carolina locker room, one player interrupted Beamer’s speech. — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 In his first major speech as chancellor, Healey sought to reassure the markets by pledging to stick to Labour’s tax and spend fiscal rules, while trying to present a more optimistic view of Britain’s economic prospects. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026 Since 2021, the New York 9/11 anniversary planners have not allowed speeches by any politicians. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speech
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speech
  1. lecture
  2. language
  3. talk
  4. vocabulary
  5. address
  6. tongue
  7. oration
  8. dialect
Noun
  • Cornerback Keyon Martin said coaching moments with Minter were more of a conversation than a lecture.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Some teach, some lecture, some write books, some probably relax during the break.
    — John E. Jones III, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of lecture
Noun
  • Although there are plenty of books in three languages (Arabic, French, and English), there are also museums, a planetarium, and a lab dedicated to restoring and preserving ancient manuscripts.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Emily Elconin / Bloomberg via Getty Images The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has for decades sent election monitors to polling sites to protect voters from discrimination based on race, disability or language.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Nick Bosa pulled aside Alfred Collins for a talk after his season-ending knee injury.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • As trade talks with Canada remain on ice, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to travel to Mexico on Wednesday, according to Mexico’s trade minister.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • As the Senate ages, Fetterman won’t be the last case litigated entirely in that vocabulary, for want of any real capacity to evaluate, accommodate, or retire an official on medical grounds.
    — Michael P.H. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Commanders offensive lineman Brandon Coleman compared picking up a new offense to learning a new vocabulary in school.
    — David Aldridge, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of vocabulary
Noun
  • Trump speaks both nights, following up his Wednesday address with closing remarks on Thursday, after Vice President JD Vance gives his own speech.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Many fans waved Spanish flags and chanted ‘Viva Espana (Long live Spain)’ as the stadium public-address announcer voiced support for the people of Ceuta.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of address
Noun
  • And, in recent years, a new culinary wave has emerged, as chefs create bold fusion dishes or, more subtly, adapt Japanese recipes to uniquely Brazilian produce, from Amazon river fish to jambu, a tongue-tingling herb.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The shoe also features a double-lace system that keeps the tongue in place and makes the fit feel more secure and sock-like.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of tongue
Noun
  • Afterward, the orations turned to internal divisions, particularly those related to slavery.
    — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026
  • The greatest of all Fourth of July orations was delivered in 1852, on the 76th anniversary of American independence, by Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Definition of oration
Noun
  • Owner and chef Stefania Marchesini, who fished professionally herself for 11 years, pays a premium to local fishermen, especially for soft-shell crabs known in the local dialect as moeche.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • What used to be two entirely separate compliance projects is starting to look like two dialects of the same emerging language.
    — Abdelahhad Barbour, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dialect

Phrases Containing speech

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sped (up)
speech
speeches
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Cite this Entry

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speech. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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