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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
-
Trump keeps things brief Trump spoke at the conclusion of the parade on Saturday, keeping remarks short and framing the event as a celebration of the country’s military successes.—
Ellen Mitchell,
The Hill,
15 June 2025
-
Rob Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen speaks as people protest in Philadelphia as part of the No Kings Rallies at Love Park on June 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 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
-
Rather than lecturing, Kahn recommends guiding them to draw their own conclusions.—
Lydia Wang,
Parents,
20 May 2025
-
Trump stated during his big speech on the trip that his administration was not there to lecture the region on how to deal with its affairs.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
16 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
-
This is a poor day to talk to parents, bosses, authority figures and the police about anything important.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
-
Barnard spoke Friday at a hearing of Democratic members of Congress and said some family members of the men had been able to talk to them Thursday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 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
Cite this Entry
“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share