verbalist

noun

ver·bal·ist ˈvər-bə-list

1

: one who stresses words above substance or reality

2

: a person who uses words skillfully

verbalistic

ˌvər-bə-ˈli-stik

adjective

Word History

Etymology

verbal entry 1 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of verbalist was circa 1609

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Browse Nearby Words

verbalism

verbalist

verbality

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Verbalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbalist. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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