Synonyms of speak

speak 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈspēk 

1

as in to say

to express (a thought or emotion) in words

finally spoke her fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

• say
• talk
• tell
• utter
• discuss
• share
• articulate
• verbalize
• state
• vocalize
• give
• enunciate
• put
• announce
• bring out
• pass
• shout
• put into words
• voice
• publish
• look
• post
• proclaim
• whisper
• affirm
• blurt
• declare
• ventilate
• advertise
• sound
• assert
• promulgate
• publicize
• word
• get off
• air
• mouth
• vent
• broadcast
• breathe
• phrase
• formulate
• avow
• allege
• murmur
• comment
• gasp
• lip
• aver
• blabber
• shoot
• chirp
• remark
• spout
• bolt
• blaze
• clothe
• rip (out)
• avouch
• couch
• snarl
• purr
• drawl
• splutter
• formulize
• pipe up (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• stifle

2

as in to talk

to give a formal often extended talk on a subject

the Mayanists have been invited to speak about their latest archaeological discoveries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• talk
• lecture
• declaim
• expatiate
• hold forth
• orate
• discourse
• harangue
• take the floor
• descant
• expound
• recite
• soliloquize
• sermonize
• pontificate
• mouth
• spout
• dissert
• filibuster

speak (for)

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to seek

to make a request for

she has already spoken for the position, so it should go to her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• call (for)
• request
• sue (for)
• ask (for)
• plead (for)
• apply (for)
• beg (for)
• wish (for)
• desire
• press (for)
• require
• petition (for)
• quest
• insist (on)
• clamor (for)
• urge
• demand
• claim
• solicit
• invite
• invoke
• bespeak
• enjoin
• exact
• importune
• requisition

speak (to or with)

3 of 3

verb (3)

as in to talk (to)

to communicate with by means of spoken words

we spoke to the mall's leasing agent about opening a shop

Synonyms & Similar Words

• talk (to)
• chat (with)
• converse (with)
• address
• greet
• engage in conversation
• notify
• board
• inform
• herald
• tell
• hail
• accost
• collar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of speak

Verb

That may sound like marketing speak, but in this case, the proof is truly in the performance. —Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 9 July 2025

The Independence School District ignored multiple requests for comment in the weeks following Meyer’s arrest and declined to speak on any changes to its digital security or hiring practices in the months since. —Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025

No representatives from the grocery store spoke at the meeting. —Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025

The Athletic spoke to several Canadian sports fans, some of them Bills season-ticket holders, who declined to be interviewed over fears their comments could be used against them at the border. —Tim Graham, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Phrases Containing speak

• speak (for)
• speak (to or with)
• speak one's mind
• speak out
• speak up