1
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech given the opportunity, many politicians will orate at considerable length on just about any subject

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2
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject the respected anthropologist is expected to orate about her latest research findings before a packed auditorium

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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 orate 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 Sheridan has an affinity for writing characters who have lots of big things to say about the world around them and their place in it; Yellowstone features hours of John Dutton solemnly orating on the subject of Montana, the ranching way of life, and the threat posed by outside interlopers. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 Is there a historical context where the struggle has been orated by other groups? J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2024 At the age of 3, little Malachi Lukes was orating at his school in the style of President Barack Obama. Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 The most persuasive and engrossing moment of the play comes late, when Harry Nelson is orating for his son’s benefit on the history and necessity of humankind’s relationship with firearms. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2023 Perhaps a chatbot can even orate. David Crary, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2023 Marsha, Nate, and Jacob stand on the balcony as Cal begins to orate. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orate
Verb
  • This time, Mary looked famine-struck and spoke mostly in pained moans.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Jeff Peterson took his place on the dais inside Spectrum Center, quickly settling in before speaking publicly for the first time since September.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quilting group hosts lecture, workshop El Camino Quilt Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. April 8 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But the club’s members didn’t lecture or advocate until 20 years after its 1876 founding.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Koreans have a lesson to share with those whose intellectuals, driven by identity and the metaphysics of difference, declaim ownership of the Enlightenment and its legacy.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
  • 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
Verb
  • And the volunteer who can’t write a check but has spent every weekend knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about this campaign’s promise of a better future for Fort Worth.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Josh Norris, Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka are among those scheduled to talk to reporters.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Several of those town halls – including in deeply Republican districts – went viral as residents harangued lawmakers over the cuts.
    Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Republican members of Congress are finding themselves so harangued about federal cuts during town halls that they've been advised to stop holding them.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This is utter nonsense, and discourse about practically any new game on the market has become so toxic that staying off the internet entirely is the only way avoid it.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May and taking home the coveted Jury Prize and a joint Best Actress prize for its female ensemble (the three aforementioned performers plus Adriana Paz), discourse around Emilia Pérez lit up like a New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
    Lucy Ford, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Orate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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