as in conversation
talking or a talk between two or more people
Thomas Jefferson is said to have been able to participate in knowledgeable discourse on a breathtaking array of subjects
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to lecture
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to speak
to talk as if giving an important and formal speech
grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourse
Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) — a wide-spanning piece of legislation that aims to regulate content on large online platforms, including X — states that platforms are responsible for assessing and mitigating risks to, among other things, civic discourse and electoral proceedings.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2024
Where the Duchess of Newcastle debated the scholars of the Royal Society, here the Empress corrects her mixed figures, a scenario as comic as Circe discoursing with her pigs.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discourse 
Noun
In a society where the highest earners were paying a marginal tax rate of 92 percent and union membership was peaking and the terror of climate change was unknown, neither class warfare nor concerns about carbon emissions animated the public discourse.
—Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) — a wide-spanning piece of legislation that aims to regulate content on large online platforms, including X — states that platforms are responsible for assessing and mitigating risks to, among other things, civic discourse and electoral proceedings.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
But the current, forgive me, discourse about TikTok tends to use the app’s notoriety as a meme machine to belittle its more vital aspects .
—Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2024
Where the Duchess of Newcastle debated the scholars of the Royal Society, here the Empress corrects her mixed figures, a scenario as comic as Circe discoursing with her pigs.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discourse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
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That the Flames are in the conversation is still impressive, though.—
Sean Gentille,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
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This unique model has led to more positive outcomes, fostering impactful conversations, driving philanthropic contributions, and making meetings a more human and compassionate business.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Weissmann also lectured at Harvard, Yale and the AFI and taught at USC and Sherwood Oaks Experimental College.—
Mike Barnes,
The Hollywood Reporter,
16 Jan. 2025
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But first, she is scolded, lectured and psychoanalyzed by the prosecutor and judge.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Galle did not speak at his sentencing, instead choosing to have defense attorney Liz Parker read his statement for him.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
10 Jan. 2025
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Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has spoken poignantly of her desire to have a baby — but only once she’s landed that elusive first major title.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The council did not discuss why this decision had been made, but a resident in the meeting raised concerns that Cobb had had multiple discussions with the defendants regarding the litigation.—
Rachel Royster,
Austin American-Statesman,
19 Jan. 2025
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While McCourt made an official bid, Musk’s name was reportedly floated in discussions with the Chinese government, according to Bloomberg.—
Zoë Schiffer,
WIRED,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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During the second quarter, Trump and Brown talked for roughly 20 minutes about football and the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, a U.S. official told ABC News.—
Matt Seyler,
ABC News,
14 Jan. 2025
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The ordeal worsened her already severe illness, leaving her virtually unable to eat, move, or talk for days after.—
Jamie Ducharme,
TIME,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But Trump is not looking to harangue second-tier capitals with third-tier interests.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
7 Jan. 2025
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She was hit, harangued and betrayed by a son who couldn’t help himself.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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James Devaney Vivienne, of course, joined Jolie on opening night of The Outsiders, dressing on-theme in a navy utilitarian jumpsuit and converse.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
21 Sep. 2024
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Later, Lacy watches inquisitively as Janet converses with Avi (Elias Koteas), the leader of a cultish theatrical troupe who sets his sights on her.—
Sonia Rao,
Washington Post,
1 July 2024
Noun
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On June 1, 2024, the World Health Assembly adopted a major revision to its International Health Regulations (IHR), which ensure early detection and reporting of disease outbreaks and scientific exchange.—
Lawrence O. Gostin,
Scientific American,
8 Jan. 2025
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The allegations, proven false, claimed the Bidens each received $5 million from executives at Ukrainian energy company Burisma in exchange for political favors.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
8 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near discourse
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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