resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt 

resonated; resonating; resonates

intransitive verb

1

: to produce or exhibit resonance

A person’s voice … is made by sound resonating in the mouth and nose …

—Ken Carlson

2

: to respond as if by resonance

resonate to the music

also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance

3

: to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way

a message that resonates with voters

transitive verb

: to subject to resonating

Did you know?

Resonate vs. Reverberate

Resonate and reverberate each have at least one meaning that is concerned with sound, and they carry a degree of overlap in their definitions. However, there are some subtle differences between them that are worth observing. Resonate typically suggests that a single lasting sound is produced; reverberate, on the other hand, indicates that an initial sound is followed by a series of echoes. In terms of the contexts in which they are used, resonate often involves a person (“that passage of the book resonated with many young readers”); reverberate, on the other hand, is more likely to be used of a thing, such as the aftermath of some major event (“the shock caused by the assassination reverberated across Europe”).

Synonyms

• echo
• reecho
• resound
• reverberate
• sound

Examples of resonate in a Sentence

The siren resonated throughout the city.

The deep sounds of the bassoon resonated through the concert hall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aligning with relevant outlets enhances my brand’s credibility and ensures the message resonates with the right people. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025

The heartbreaking moment resonated with viewers, accumulating 1.5 million views and thousands of comments. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

How those words continue to resonate for the dynamic midfielder, who lit up Anfield during Thursday’s 4-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur, which booked holders Liverpool a Carabao Cup final date with Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16. —James Pearce, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025

That’s something that can resonate, not in a literal way, with what’s going on and what has gone on in the history of the world. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈrez-ᵊn-ˌāt 

resonated; resonating

1

: to produce or exhibit resonance

2

a

: to respond as if by resonance

resonate to the music

b

: to strike a chord

a message that resonates with voters