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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discourse
Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Experts have noted that William's candor marks a shift from the past, when senior royals typically kept private family matters out of public discourse.
—Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Glamour, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for discourse
Noun
But much like our recent discourse on troublesome, driverless Waymos, the short-term pain may be worth the long-term safety gain.
—Verb
During the broadcast Hudson interrupted a question about their relationship, leading to backlash and discourse over her role in the coach’s professional life.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for discourse
Noun
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In a conversation last season, Barkley said his top five running backs of all time were Barry Sanders, Faulk, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, and Adrian Peterson.—
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The conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.—
Verb
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Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Verb
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Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).—
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Babbitt’s mother spoke several times, demanding justice for her daughter.—
Noun
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In the past two decades, much of the often spirited discussion has centered on Michael Jordan and four-time league MVP LeBron James.—
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As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.—
Verb
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Brandon asked her out the next day, and the pair spent hours talking on a Ferris wheel during their first date.—
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People with respiratory viruses who have high-risk conditions or who live in households with high-risk individuals should talk to their healthcare professional about taking antiviral medications to treat the virus or prevent transmission.—
Verb
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The tone was all the more remarkable because Desmond had previously spoken admiringly of Rodgers’ coaching capabilities and did not harangue him as supporters did when Rodgers abruptly left Celtic for Leicester City in 2019.—
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Truman would never have harangued the international community that America is First, or obstructed every effort to better the lot of humanity by asking what’s in it for the U.S., not in coming decades but during this news cycle.—
Noun
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Three boldly distinct but equally strong upholstery selections converse easily with one another in this mise-en-scène, and the lighthearted purple, pink, and white leopard print on the window seat cushion keeps pace with the other prints without overwhelming any of them.—
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The woman behind me who whispered earlier has delicate tattoos and oversized sunglasses, her female companion in converse sneakers.—
Verb
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Providence doesn’t give you a Latin teacher for a mother without consequence: Samy declaimed classical locutions with scandalous ease.—
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But expect more than a few awards pundits to declaim that the Academy, finally, has no other choice but to present Park Chan-wook with his first Oscar nomination.—
Cite this Entry
“Discourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discourse. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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