speaking 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of speakingnext
as in talking

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Dissimilar Words

speaking

2 of 3

noun

as in communication

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Dissimilar Words

speaking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of speak
1
as in saying
to express (a thought or emotion) in words finally spoke her fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lecturing
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject the Mayanists have been invited to speak about their latest archaeological discoveries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 speaking
Adjective
Each is distinct and immersively imagined by author Woody Brown, himself a non-speaking person. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take inventory of your home and see what's still working and what could use an update—both practically speaking, and in terms of aesthetics. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
Few things compare to the applause, trophies and recognition, but public speaking gives her a taste of that adrenaline. — ABC News, 13 July 2026 These sessions can focus on nonacademic life skills, like public speaking and entrepreneurship, as well as art and physical education. — Gerald K. Letendre, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Verb
The teen, who the Orlando Sentinel isn’t naming because he has not been charged as an adult, was arrested for felony battery after speaking with deputies Tuesday, an OCSO spokesperson said in a news release. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Moran claimed that the woman was prevented from speaking about her experience because of an NDA. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speaking
  1. communicative
  2. talking
  3. saying
  4. lecturing
  5. articulate
  6. uttering
  7. telling
  8. discussing
Adjective
  • Now, from membership in the Nazi Party to the facts behind family lineage or legends, communicative memory no longer has the final word.
    — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Steering is accurate without being particularly communicative, but that's perfectly appropriate for this car.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
Definition of communicative
Noun
  • Socialists call themselves crazy and that’s a campaign talking point.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, the pre-fall collections made a strong case for letting your shoes do all the talking.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • The justice ministry rejected the criticism, saying the proceedings complied with Syrian law and included the participation of victims and their representatives.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Some have dubbed the cover itself as racist, while others are saying Blanco’s non-Latin background as the problem.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Verb
  • Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon criticized Spain for lecturing Israel on security while struggling to control its own border.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Fauci stepped down from his NIAID post at the end of 2022 and segued to a lecturing job at Georgetown.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026
Definition of lecturing
Adjective
  • Benedict Cumberbatch got the cheekbones and the nimble, articulate language tools.
    — Lisa Rosen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • But there are dangers when framing aid in dying in relation to a single life story, particularly when that story’s main character is an attractive and articulate newlywed who suffered a tragic illness.
    — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of articulate
Verb
  • The other was a tearing beauty, a creature so lovely that one look at her sent young men’s blood pressure skyward and set them to uttering wild, hoarse cries and tearing telephone directories apart with the bare hands.
    — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
  • All season, Shamea and Porsha have circled each other, barely uttering a direct word, but the tensions seep to the rest of the group, trickling into every interaction.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of uttering
Verb
  • The scene gives us little, just Porsha telling NeNe the itinerary, showing her some clothes, and then moving right along.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Video of the incident that went viral online shows students telling a man authorities say is Morgan to get out of an Athens bar.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • Hughes says that miscarriage concerns are common for pregnant women and that doctors are constantly discussing risks and benefits with their patients.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This is strong energy for pitching a class, planning travel, discussing a cause, or gathering people around something meaningful.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of discussing

Phrases Containing speaking

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speak (for)
speaking
speaking (about)
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Cite this Entry

“Speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speaking. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on speaking

Nglish: Translation of speaking for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speaking

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