1
as in to speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
over the last two centuries some of the most illustrious personages of their times have declaimed in the town's historic lyceum
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to harangue
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
he declaimed at some length about the nation's obligation to spread democratic values around the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of declaim
Oliveira films on location, with the actors in costume, declaiming in boldly theatrical tones that seem wrenched whole from the era of the play’s origins.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
In his tableau-like compositions, with their classical-painterly lighting, his characters declaim, bringing a blunt candor to a refined and abstracted sensibility.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Dugin could declaim on their work for hours, and did.
—James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
In his tableau-like compositions, with their classical-painterly lighting, his characters declaim, bringing a blunt candor to a refined and abstracted sensibility.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Dugin could declaim on their work for hours, and did.
—James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for declaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for declaim
Verb
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Their stories—rooted in resilience, strategy, faith, and fire—speak directly to Black women and girls watching, learning, and preparing to take their place in the lineage of excellence.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
10 July 2025
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The Athletic spoke to several Canadian sports fans, some of them Bills season-ticket holders, who declined to be interviewed over fears their comments could be used against them at the border.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Verb
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On the other hand, Powell’s assertions have not sat well with Trump, who has continued to harangue him to lower interest rates.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
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Coaches, who represent their schools, are strongly encouraged to work with officials rather than harangue them.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Lincoln Mitchell, a political strategy and campaign specialist who lectures at Columbia University, to understand what Mamdani’s primary win might indicate about the direction of national politics.—
Lincoln Mitchell,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
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DuVernay presents the inhumanity of the situation without lecturing the audience or patronizing the subjects, instead providing an honest portrait of the fear, hope, and lost time that the Central Park Five experienced as the result of a profoundly broken justice system.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Not talking an exceptionally high level; not the top-shelf stuff.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
14 July 2025
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General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Verb
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During the broadcast Hudson interrupted a question about their relationship, leading to backlash and discourse over her role in the coach’s professional life.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
12 May 2025
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Hypothetical question sparks discourse Celebrity eaglets growing up fast as internet watches on: Meet Sunny and Gizmo River otters usually live up to 12.9 years in captivity, according to Oregon Zoo.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Declaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/declaim. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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