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
The latter went on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and orated about his marathon oration sesh last week in Congress.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
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
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orate
Verb
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The 'Survivor 48' final 5 speak in exclusive finale interview 'Survivor 48' jury speaks in exclusive pre-finale interview Of course, that is exactly what happened.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
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The billionaire South African businessman, Johann Rupert, spoke forcefully too.—
Jonny Steinberg,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
-
Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Yours to treasure: to recite under your breath, to whisper in someone’s ear, to declaim at a party.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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Does Joyce’s fellow drama kid Alan (Eric Wiegand) hoist a skull aloft and declaim some Shakespeare in a bad English accent?—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Witnesses said the customer complained about his order to a female employee working at the Checkers window and asked to talk to a manager several times, investigators wrote in the report.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
26 May 2025
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Patti LuPone stood in a midtown recording studio one spring afternoon, talking to Carrie Bradshaw.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Angela was introduced in the series premiere as the ex-wife of Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton), seen only in haranguing FaceTime calls.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
10 Jan. 2025
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The lack of respect from China was clear starting in March 2021, when the senior Chinese foreign policy official Yang Jiechi harangued U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a meeting in Anchorage about promoting U.S. democracy.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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During the broadcast Hudson interrupted a question about their relationship, leading to backlash and discourse over her role in the coach’s professional life.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
12 May 2025
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Hypothetical question sparks discourse Celebrity eaglets growing up fast as internet watches on: Meet Sunny and Gizmo River otters usually live up to 12.9 years in captivity, according to Oregon Zoo.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orate. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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