speech

noun

ˈspēch How to pronounce speech (audio)
Definition of speechnext
1
as in lecture
a usually formal discourse delivered to an audience the guest of honor gave a short speech in appreciation of the award

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in language
the stock of words, pronunciation, and grammar used by a people as their basic means of communication wanting to develop a writing system for his people, Sequoya created a system of 86 symbols representing all the syllables of Cherokee speech

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 speech Jezzel retold their proposal story and bridesmaids gave speeches throughout dinner. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026 A lot of speech on the far right is motivated by blatant antisemitism. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Research on multi-region implants, speech decoding, visual restoration, and larger electrode counts is still ongoing. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Exxon’s new chief executive, Lee Raymond, used uncertainty as a mantra in his public speeches. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speech
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speech
  1. lecture
  2. language
  3. talk
  4. vocabulary
  5. address
  6. tongue
  7. oration
  8. dialect
Noun
  • Make the idea vivid, stay curious, and let the conversation expand without becoming a lecture.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
  • One serious lecture will not prepare a child for every app, friend or group chat.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of lecture
Noun
  • As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Venus, planet of money and values, in your 2nd House of Resources opposes nebulous Neptune in your 8th House of Intimacy, so costs need clear language.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • This comes after a first bid of €46 million was knocked back once talks with Real Madrid broke down and Rodri agreed to join the Catalans.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Construction began in late 2023 to build restrooms, a parking lot with 80 spaces, a ranger station, a small amphitheater for ranger talks, and wide paths that will enable access for those with disabilities.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • The language is closely related to — but distinct from — German, with a heavy admixture of Hebrew and Aramaic vocabulary, Slavic grammar and other influences.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Sign languages are independent languages with their own grammar and vocabulary.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of vocabulary
Noun
  • In January 2019, Lamont delivered his first inaugural address focused on fiscal responsibility, cooperation across party lines, and a fresh start for Connecticut’s economy.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Going local is the right approach, as each community will have different needs and challenges that a one-size-fits-all approach can’t adequately address.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of address
Noun
  • But Jesus would always emerge out of the darkness again, and scoop out his tongue or sew up his mouth and eyes and then shoot him full of arrows.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Augmental says MouthPad is best suited for people over 18 who have enough tongue dexterity to operate it.
    — Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of tongue
Noun
  • Afterward, the orations turned to internal divisions, particularly those related to slavery.
    — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026
  • The greatest of all Fourth of July orations was delivered in 1852, on the 76th anniversary of American independence, by Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Definition of oration
Noun
  • Google says training across languages, dialects, and different proficiency levels helped the model learn structures shared between sign languages.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of dialect

Phrases Containing speech

Browse Nearby Words

sped (up)
speech
speeches
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Cite this Entry

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speech. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on speech

Nglish: Translation of speech for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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