1
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
given the opportunity, many politicians will orate at considerable length on just about any subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the respected anthropologist is expected to orate about her latest research findings before a packed auditorium
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of orate
Elegantly orating about universal vastness and human connection, the Chilean/French rapper’s delivery melds poetic prose with grace.
—
Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups?
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
The most persuasive and engrossing moment of the play comes late, when Harry Nelson is orating for his son’s benefit on the history and necessity of humankind’s relationship with firearms.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023
Perhaps a chatbot can even orate.
—David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023
Marsha, Nate, and Jacob stand on the balcony as Cal begins to orate.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2022
The surest way to get yanked off the stage — any stage — is to clear one’s throat and begin to orate.
—Washington Post, 9 July 2021
Griselda Flores, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups?
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024
At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
The most persuasive and engrossing moment of the play comes late, when Harry Nelson is orating for his son’s benefit on the history and necessity of humankind’s relationship with firearms.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023
Perhaps a chatbot can even orate.
—David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023
Marsha, Nate, and Jacob stand on the balcony as Cal begins to orate.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2022
The surest way to get yanked off the stage — any stage — is to clear one’s throat and begin to orate.
—Washington Post, 9 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orate
Verb
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Some residents had previously spoken at a December hearing on the project when the Council voted to postpone a decision to better understand the project.—
Alexandra Hardle,
The Arizona Republic,
16 Feb. 2025
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Strictly speaking, however, City’s win over the league does not impact the second case that was launched against the new rules last week.—
Dan Sheldon,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For Vance to lecture the Germans on how to govern themselves—the Germans, who rose from the traumas of Nazism to build a vibrant and enduring democracy—was inappropriate and bizarre.—
Dexter Filkins,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
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Every purchase is scrutinized — last week, I was lectured for buying a name-brand cereal.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Keeping performers’ voices in good condition for that long haul is the province of a tribe of vocal coaches in Hollywood and everywhere else people sing or declaim for their supper.—
Jonathan Margolis,
airmail.news,
21 Dec. 2024
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The Koreans have a lesson to share with those whose intellectuals, driven by identity and the metaphysics of difference, declaim ownership of the Enlightenment and its legacy.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Backstreet Boys talk Las Vegas Sphere residency Support the Short List andbecome a USA TODAY digital subscriber today.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Meet other stamp collectors to talk, trade, buy or sell, United States and foreign.—
Joe Rassel,
Orlando Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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His distinctive monotone, used to harangue and belittle those who challenge him, lifted into song.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
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Without him, UConn is 4-3, nearly every game down to the wire, as teams are able to harangue leading scorer Alex Karaban, who was 1-for-14 against DePaul, making his mark with eight assists and six rebounds, playing all 40 minutes.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May and taking home the coveted Jury Prize and a joint Best Actress prize for its female ensemble (the three aforementioned performers plus Adriana Paz), discourse around Emilia Pérez lit up like a New Year’s Eve fireworks display.—
Lucy Ford,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
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But as posting about kids has grown into a legitimate industry online, so has discourse about the ethics of turning children into their families’ breadwinners.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
16 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orate. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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