speak for

phrasal verb

spoke for; spoken for; speaking for; speaks for

: to express the thoughts or opinions of (someone)

They chose him to speak for the group.

Speaking only for myself, I'm against the plan.

"We don't want any dessert." "Speak for yourself. I want some."

—often used figuratively

I don't need to say more. The facts speak for themselves.

Examples of speak for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Hecht has largely stayed out of the limelight in the decades since, letting his opinions speak for themselves and wading into the political fray mostly to advocate for court reforms. —

Eleanor Klibanoff, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024 Let the actions speak for themselves, not a generation. —

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024 Bachman’s commitment to documentation in his music enables the sounds of climate change to speak for themselves. —

Brendan Fitzgerald, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024 So as Everett rose to speak, the audience’s anticipation was palpable, a condition Everett managed to squander by speaking for … an hour and 57 minutes. —

Eli Amdur, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for speak for