SPOKEN Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

spoken 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspō-kən

Definition of spoken

as in oral

made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing a spoken agreement is too easily broken

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uttered

expressed or communicated by voice a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spoken

2 of 2

verb

past participle of speak

as in said

to express (a thought or emotion) in words finally spoke her fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in talked

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 spoken

Adjective

Here, the line invokes the possible; the spoken decision not to tell acts as any secret—to whet the listener’s own desire to know. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 Harry seems more at home in conversation with O’Connor, his eyes searching for answers to soft-spoken queries about grief’s effect on the brain, then lighting up with warmth at the memory of Diana. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

The Chiefs perhaps could have quelled some of that if Reid had spoken in such detail sooner. — Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 Arriving on the centennial birthday of the beloved Baldwin, the Grammy-winning record is nearly 80-minutes long and often features the author’s words, some sung (Justin Hicks) or spoken (poet Staceyann Chin). — David Harris, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoken

Adjective

That’s one possible sign of oral cancer, though there are other explanations.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Alfozan has not been charged with espionage; the federal charge involves alleged interception of oral communications.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of oral

Adjective

For all their speed-to-market and trend obsessions, fashion companies struggle to update the systems and materials that go into their products, meaning churn reigns and improvements are consigned to that oft-uttered utopian destination known as ‘when there’s time’.

— Brooke Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Each line encourages a body to shift when uttered or even when read silently to oneself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026

Definition of uttered

Verb

Jalen Jeffries, a 23-year-old from Tampa, said the first-day ticket issues were ironed out for fans on the second and final day.

— Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Hamas could restrict the system to exert pressure internally, the official said, while Netanyahu could restrict it to pressure Hamas.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of said

Verb

The night before our spaghetti dinner, Caleb sat me down by the cabin’s large, whirling fireplace and talked to me about meatballs for two hours.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
In a follow-up phone interview, Collins talked further about the toll taken.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of talked

Adjective

Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The victim told officers that her soon-to-be ex-husband, identified as Fitzgerald, had come to her home multiple times after making verbal threats over the phone.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of verbal

Adjective

Sanders, who co-directed the original movie and voiced Stitch, reprised his voice-over role in the 2025 update.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Several cast members returned, including co-writer and co-director Chris Sanders, who created and voiced Stitch.

— Jordana Comiter, People.com, 24 May 2025

Definition of voiced

Verb

Estefanía Mondragón, executive director of PODER of Idaho told the crowd to expect at least 12 more immigration bills in next year’s legislative session.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Weeks before the shootdown, the spies allegedly reported on the naval airbase in Key West and were told to transmit Brothers to the Rescue flight data back to the Cuban authorities.

— Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of told

Verb

Earhart lectured at the school before embarking on her final flight.

— News Editor, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026