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
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
The Fed has also branched out into other areas beyond the money supply, pontificating on inequality, climate, race, and other issues.
—The Editors, National Review, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
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
The Fed has also branched out into other areas beyond the money supply, pontificating on inequality, climate, race, and other issues.
—The Editors, National Review, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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The slightest noise from the children could propel him from the room, ranting.—
Noah Hawley,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2025
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Musk ranted against the bill after it was amended to end an electric vehicle tax credit at the end of September, opposed to the end of this year.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Bridges loved his infield range, and other scouts raved about his versatility in center field.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
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While recently visiting the detention site, President Donald Trump raved about Alligator Alcatraz.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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