1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
On Friday, as the Rams prepared for the second night of the draft, McVay used his oratory skills before another assemblage of pros.
—
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Netanyahu has done little to aid Ukraine even in his oratory.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Netanyahu has done little to aid Ukraine even in his oratory.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
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Saturday afternoon will feature the main event, when the four former players will take the stage, unveil their Hall of Fame busts and give speeches.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
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Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who delivered the longest speech in House history while trying to stall the bill, said the changes will hurt households and communities nationwide.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 July 2025
Noun
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His tirades against Ukraine stood out for their bloodthirsty rhetoric.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
17 July 2025
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While democratic Taiwan has long been used to those threats, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the increasingly shrill rhetoric from Chinese leader Xi Jinping and conflict in the Middle East have thrown into sharp relief what could be at stake if peace falters.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
17 July 2025
Noun
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The recordings also capture Bell’s family background in elocution (his father, grandfather, and brother all taught the subject).—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2018
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The Bartlet staff’s righteous (and self-righteous) elocution might seem — to the cynical — sentimental, treacly, smarmy, or just eye-roll-inducingly dumb.—
Lizzie Logan,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Leveraging LinkedIn's Educational Resources LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of free courses covering leadership, public speaking, coding, graphic design, and LinkedIn optimization.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Key educational components like public speaking and presenting, as well as activities fostering social engagement, can uplift students at kindergarten age and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.—
Andrea Vargas,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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