tirade

noun

ti·​rade ˈtī-ˌrād How to pronounce tirade (audio)
also ti-ˈrād
Synonyms of tirade
: a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language

Synonyms of tirade

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Examples of tirade in a Sentence

He went into a tirade about the failures of the government. The coach directed a tirade at the team after the loss.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
During a match at the Miami Open, Vasek Pospisil delivered a profanity-laden tirade against the leader of the men’s tennis tour, the ATP. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Maggie said, and a tirade of noises poured out of the receiver. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 Egypt coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious tirade after Argentina staged a spectacular comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the round of 16. — James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 After France knocked out Paraguay in this year’s World Cup, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla launched her own racist tirade attacking Mbappé and his national identity. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tirade

Word History

Etymology

French, shot, tirade, from Middle French, from Old Italian tirata, from tirare to draw, shoot

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tirade was in 1802

Rhymes for tirade

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Browse Nearby Words

tip worm
tirade
tirak
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Cite this Entry

“Tirade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tirade. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tirade

noun
ti·​rade tī-ˈrād How to pronounce tirade (audio)
ˈtī-ˌrād
: a long violent angry speech : harangue

More from Merriam-Webster on tirade

Nglish: Translation of tirade for Spanish Speakers

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