speak of
verb
spoke of; spoken of; speaking of; speaks of
1
: to talk or write about (someone or something) : to mention (a subject) in speech or writing
Speaking of Jill, where is she?
It was the first time she spoke of going to law school.
She never speaks of her suffering during the war.
In the letter, he spoke of feeling ill.
2
: to indicate or suggest (something)
His diaries speak of a troubled mind.
3
: to talk about (someone or something) in a specified way
He spoke well/highly/favorably of both job candidates.
4
chiefly US
: to show that (someone or something) does or does not deserve to be praised, admired, etc.
The continued success of the business speaks well of their judgment.
Her bad behavior speaks poorly of her upbringing.
Examples of speak of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hawks also spoke of improving the state’s bond rating as a strategy.
—
Linh Tat, Daily News, 20 May 2026
There have been calls, within his own party, to investigate and impeach the governor, who had been spoken of as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
To speak of the future as though it has already been decided is to surrender the one thing that actually matters.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Shi spoke of the need to sign players determined to become Wolves legends.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for speak of
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.
Linh Tat, Daily News, 20 May 2026
There have been calls, within his own party, to investigate and impeach the governor, who had been spoken of as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
To speak of the future as though it has already been decided is to surrender the one thing that actually matters.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Shi spoke of the need to sign players determined to become Wolves legends.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for speak of
Cite this Entry
“Speak of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak%20of. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
