pontificate

Definition of pontificatenext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pontificate The American pope has prioritized church unity and healing tensions with traditionalists that worsened during the Pope Francis pontificate. ABC News, 1 July 2026 There is a temptation to expand the view of this ruling, to look at the slippery slope that has been legally greased and pontificate about how this will lead to the further damnation of college sports. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 Perhaps Pfleger would be well advised to stick to his faith and his flock and to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, rather than to continue to pontificate from the pulpit — or even the paper. Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 Should the highest justices in the land be pontificating in public about their views on AI? Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
  • So Republicans are desperate for something, anything, anyone — a fall guy, a scapegoat — to rant against, whip up the Republican base against, and raise money for their fall campaigns.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Membership was open to the lazy, the unemployed and anyone who mostly ranted.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • My mom is always raving about Quince for its selection of breathable, sophisticated clothes that keep her from overheating.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In his viral moment of the day, tipping the screen pass for an interception, showed off what Bengals linemen and coaches rave about.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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