take the floor

phrase

Definition of take the floornext
as in speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject The senator took the floor to talk about international relations.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 take the floor This month, Watkins and Davidson finally were able to take the floor together, just as Gottlieb had envisioned. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for take the floor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take the floor
hold forth
Phrase
  • The composer was in attendance, holding forth in lectures and discussions, his arachnid mind spinning webs across music history.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Take the floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take%20the%20floor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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