1
as in to speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
over the last two centuries some of the most illustrious personages of their times have declaimed in the town's historic lyceum
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to harangue
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
he declaimed at some length about the nation's obligation to spread democratic values around the world
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of declaim
He’s left a distinctive stamp on the orchestra’s sound in the years since, whether declaiming the beginning of Mahler 5 with a preacher’s conviction or, as in a recent Ravinia concert, tossing off a ragtime solo with waggish virtuosity.
—
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024
His campaign said in March that the policy would apply only to mandatory coronavirus vaccinations, but Trump has repeatedly declaimed against vaccine mandates without mentioning covid.
—Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
Park made a stunning impression in both spirituals and symphony, singing in a resonant and warm bass voice — and declaiming clearly without clipping — in both German and English.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023
By contrast, Lloyd Webber had no ear for drama; his characters simply declaimed their emotions directly into the audience, as if by T-shirt cannon.
—Vulture, 28 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024
His campaign said in March that the policy would apply only to mandatory coronavirus vaccinations, but Trump has repeatedly declaimed against vaccine mandates without mentioning covid.
—Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 24 June 2024
Park made a stunning impression in both spirituals and symphony, singing in a resonant and warm bass voice — and declaiming clearly without clipping — in both German and English.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023
By contrast, Lloyd Webber had no ear for drama; his characters simply declaimed their emotions directly into the audience, as if by T-shirt cannon.
—Vulture, 28 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declaim
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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Elon Musk listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., Feb. 11, 2025.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
15 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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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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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
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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
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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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
“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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