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

Remove all jargon, complex concepts, and industry speak. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Fewer than 40% of people calling the main Social Security Administration line are able to speak to a representative. —Beth Finkel, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025

Kenyan President William Ruto, in a June letter to the council, spoke about the need for more and better equipment, and more funding and personnel. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

Yale Professor William Nordhaus speaks to attendees during a press conference after winning the 2018 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences at Yale University on October 8, 2018 in New Haven, Connecticut. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing speak

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