elocution

noun

ˌe-lə-ˈkyü-shən How to pronounce elocution (audio)
Definition of elocutionnext
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively the oft-told story that he practiced elocution by learning to speak with a mouth full of pebbles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 elocution At first, she was struck by Roosevelt's more recognizable voice, bearing the extreme elocution of a transatlantic accent. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 June 2024 Elizabeth—with her precise elocution, her terrifying and obvious sincerity—sounded like a woman on the brink of a great cosmic battle. — Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 Rosetta was unusually anxious about public speaking, so she was given elocution lessons. — Anita Gates, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2023 The recordings also capture Bell’s family background in elocution (his father, grandfather, and brother all taught the subject). — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for elocution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elocution
  1. speech
  2. oratory
  3. rhetoric
  4. public speaking
Noun
  • The Supreme Court has set an extremely high bar for when the government can take adverse action because of speech about a public official or matters of public concern.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • A lot happened while Rohan and I were on vacation, but the one thing still on my mind — freshly cleansed by Hudson Valley air — is Kevin Warsh’s speech in Jackson Hole.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of speech
Noun
  • The painting, which had hung in the oratory for more than three centuries, has never been recovered.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Towering above Tomar is its castle, with an Oz-like oratory built 800 years ago.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of oratory
Noun
  • Others have felt personally attacked by Kennedy’s anti-establishment rhetoric.
    — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Galliano berated a French couple with antisemitic and anti-Asian rhetoric in February 2011, which led to his conviction.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of rhetoric
Noun
  • Born in England, Yiannopoulos had been employed in the US and appeared regularly at public speaking events across the country since at least 2015.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Anyone who does a decent amount of public speaking winds up having a verbal crutch.
    — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of public speaking

Browse Nearby Words

ells
elocution
elongate
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Cite this Entry

“Elocution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elocution. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elocution

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elocution

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