1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
Obama made his name with soaring oratory about a collective opportunity to fulfill America’s promise and a memoir that was deeply introspective about his role in that fight.
—
Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
Hassan Nasrallah, the iconic leader of Hezbollah who captivated many in the Arab world with his charismatic oratory, was killed on Friday in an Israeli attack on Beirut.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024
She is widely regarded as a pragmatist who lacks the charisma, oratory skills and pugnacious nature of the outgoing populist president.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
No one thought the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on Thursday, June 27, would be the epitome of statesmanship and oratory.
—Bill Goodykoontz, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for oratory 
Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
Hassan Nasrallah, the iconic leader of Hezbollah who captivated many in the Arab world with his charismatic oratory, was killed on Friday in an Israeli attack on Beirut.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024
She is widely regarded as a pragmatist who lacks the charisma, oratory skills and pugnacious nature of the outgoing populist president.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
No one thought the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on Thursday, June 27, would be the epitome of statesmanship and oratory.
—Bill Goodykoontz, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
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And there was attention paid during the speeches both to the improbable fact that an offshoot of the group, Dead & Company, is still out there playing, 60 years after the original group’s formation, even as Weir acknowledged absences at the dais.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2025
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How To Watch The speech will be broadcasted live at 5 p.m. CT on Nexstar television stations and their websites across Texas.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Because of the rhetoric out there, this is an opportunity for boards to reengage in a discussion on what is our DEI agenda and commitment at a board level, and truly reengage all directors in that conversation.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes,
3 Feb. 2025
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However, the hostile environment created by anti-Asian rhetoric and violence has stifled their ability to contribute fully.—
John Wang,
New York Daily News,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Bartlet staff’s righteous (and self-righteous) elocution might seem — to the cynical — sentimental, treacly, smarmy, or just eye-roll-inducingly dumb.—
Lizzie Logan,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2024
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The delightful elocution of their dry-as-martini witticisms (dialect coach Nancy Carlin) adds to the joys of this period piece.—
Karen D'Souza,
The Mercury News,
25 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The Leo full moon on the 12th encourages you to use your voice more boldly, whether that's through writing, teaching, public speaking, or social media.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2025
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Sager said Hunter could continue writing, venture into podcasting or some other public speaking effort, press on with his artistic ambitions or pursue another path.—
Matt Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near oratory
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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