takes the floor

phrase

present tense third-person singular of take the floor
as in speaks
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject The senator took the floor to talk about international relations.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 takes the floor Everyone’s spread out with a respective mountain of vending-machine snacks in front of them, each taking their own moment to stare down Oleksa, when Joe takes the floor. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for takes the floor
holds forth
Phrase
  • In a revealing interview, the great American designer holds forth on his LVMH sale, past scandals, and exactly—or maybe not so exactly—what his next chapter will mean for his runway collections.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026
  • At dinner that night in the volunteer’s mess tent, Patrick Lee holds forth.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Dec. 2016

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Cite this Entry

“Takes the floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/takes%20the%20floor. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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