as in to rant
disapproving
to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right
We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.
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Recent Examples of pontificate
Who wants to pontificate about the place, let alone reminisce, when there’s an issue to close?
—
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The late Mike Leach, known for pontificating on theoretical blockbuster animal battles, cued up videos of a particular animal before games and tied a theme to each one.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Denzel Washington pontificates on what actually matters in life in the new teaser for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which is loosely based on the 1963 Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
Along with the feeling of defeat, the next few days will be filled with the voices of pundits pontificating over adjustments the team can make heading into Game 3.
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The late Mike Leach, known for pontificating on theoretical blockbuster animal battles, cued up videos of a particular animal before games and tied a theme to each one.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Denzel Washington pontificates on what actually matters in life in the new teaser for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which is loosely based on the 1963 Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
Along with the feeling of defeat, the next few days will be filled with the voices of pundits pontificating over adjustments the team can make heading into Game 3.
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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In the movie’s trailer, Offerman can be seen training with firearms and ranting about systemic oppression as Jerry.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
25 June 2025
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The slightest noise from the children could propel him from the room, ranting.—
Noah Hawley,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Fans rave about the Wawa Summertime Hoagiefest, which offers $6 and under hoagies, clubs, burgers, quesadillas and breakfast hoagies for a limited time.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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The new Patriots center raved about Maye’s maturity and approach after Friday’s training camp practice.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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