declaim

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

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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

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.
Recent Examples of declaim Oliveira films on location, with the actors in costume, declaiming in boldly theatrical tones that seem wrenched whole from the era of the play’s origins. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 In his tableau-like compositions, with their classical-painterly lighting, his characters declaim, bringing a blunt candor to a refined and abstracted sensibility. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 Dugin could declaim on their work for hours, and did. James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for declaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declaim
Verb
  • The 27-year-old Fanning, who grew up in the spotlight as a child star alongside her sister Dakota, also spoke about how her career has evolved over the years after a journalist noted that this may be her most mature role yet.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 22 May 2025
  • The pair were speaking ahead of next weekend’s Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, which will be broadcast by CBS.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Coaches, who represent their schools, are strongly encouraged to work with officials rather than harangue them.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • These days, nothing infuriates liberals more than to be lectured about the American plutocracy — not when Trump is perhaps the most brazenly corrupt president to hold the office in modern history.
    Alexander Heffner, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Maybe Healey can lecture them on how to sue Trump a hundred times and bankrupt a state on migrant hotel shelters.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • Patti LuPone stood in a midtown recording studio one spring afternoon, talking to Carrie Bradshaw.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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