1
as in vocal
expressed or communicated by voice
a baby's crying is usually interpreted as an oral expression of distress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in verbal
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing
lawyers for the plaintiff will be presenting oral arguments before the Supreme Court next week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 oral
During oral arguments for Mahmoud in April 2025, some justices briefly discussed another precedent: the Supreme Court’s 1943 judgment in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, resolved at the height of U.S. involvement in World War II.
—
Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
In briefs filed before Wednesday’s oral arguments, the government lawyers sided with those from the state’s three big for-profit electric utilities — Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Approximately 25 years ago, the president of a communications company that specialized in oral presentations invited me, along with about 20 other small business owners, to a demonstration.
—Lynne Agress, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
On the substance of the issue, oral arguments underscored what everyone who knows and appreciates the presence of charter schools should well understand.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oral
Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
In briefs filed before Wednesday’s oral arguments, the government lawyers sided with those from the state’s three big for-profit electric utilities — Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Approximately 25 years ago, the president of a communications company that specialized in oral presentations invited me, along with about 20 other small business owners, to a demonstration.
—Lynne Agress, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
On the substance of the issue, oral arguments underscored what everyone who knows and appreciates the presence of charter schools should well understand.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oral
Adjective
-
Despite the split, she’s been vocal about maintaining a solid co-parenting relationship with Shumpert for their two daughters, Junie, 9, and Rue, 4.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
-
Warren has been a vocal opponent of Musk and his involvement in the Trump administration.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Witness his absolutely brutal verbal beatdown of a former scream queen in the clip below.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
13 June 2025
-
The latter quarterback will get a third shot with the Jets, while Wilson ended up in New York and received a verbal commitment to become the starting QB for the Giants in 2025.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Amazingly, there was virtually zero lag between spoken words and displayed text.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Lansky is under no illusion that Yiddish will be revived as a spoken language outside of the haredi Orthodox community.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Several cast members returned, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
24 May 2025
-
There was no voiced opposition, though a representative for the Association of Independent Commercial Producers did amend its support, contingent on the addition of commercials as eligible projects.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oral. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share