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Speech synonyms

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oratory
A place for prayer, such as a small private chapel.
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  1. A place for prayer, such as a small private chapel.
  2. A small chapel, esp. one for private prayer
  3. Public speaking marked by the use of overblown rhetoric.
colloquy
A written dialogue.
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  1. A written dialogue.
  2. Any formal conference, conversation, or discussion between the lawyers and the judge during a judicial proceeding. Any formal conference, conversation, or discussion between the lawyers and the judge during a judicial proceeding.
  3. A conversation, especially a formal one.
dialogue
Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative.
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  1. Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative.
  2. A literary work in the form of a conversation on a single topic
  3. The passages of talk in a play, story, etc.
tongue
The human tongue as the organ of speech
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  1. The human tongue as the organ of speech
  2. The act or power of speaking:
  3. A spoken language or dialect.
mother-tongue
A language in its relation to another derived from it
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  1. A language in its relation to another derived from it
  2. A parent language.
  3. One's native language
talk
Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
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  1. Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
  2. Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
  3. Hearsay, rumor, or speculation:
utterance
Something uttered or expressed; a statement.
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  1. Something uttered or expressed; a statement.
  2. The ability to speak.
  3. That which is uttered; esp., a word or words uttered, whether written or spoken
discourse
A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
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  1. A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
  2. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
  3. Communication of ideas, information, etc., esp. by talking; conversation
conversation
(Obs.) Familiarity based on study or use
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  1. (Obs.) Familiarity based on study or use
  2. The exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language:
  3. Familiar talk; verbal exchange of ideas, opinions, etc.
articulation
The moving of articulators to produce speech sounds
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  1. The moving of articulators to produce speech sounds
  2. The way in which parts are joined together
  3. A speech sound, especially a consonant.
diction
Manner of speaking or singing; enunciation
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  1. Manner of speaking or singing; enunciation
  2. Degree of clarity and distinctness of pronunciation in speech or singing; enunciation.
  3. Manner of expression in words; choice of words; wording
pronunciation
Any of the accepted or standard ways of pronouncing a word, etc.
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  1. Any of the accepted or standard ways of pronouncing a word, etc.
  2. A graphic representation of the way a word is spoken, using phonetic symbols.
  3. The act or manner of pronouncing syllables, words, and phrases with regard to the production of sounds and the placing of stress, intonation, etc.
expression
The act of expressing, conveying, or representing in words, art, music, or movement; a manifestation:
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  1. The act of expressing, conveying, or representing in words, art, music, or movement; a manifestation:
  2. Something that expresses or communicates:
  3. A facial aspect or a look that conveys a special feeling:
locution
A particular style of speech; phraseology
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  1. A particular style of speech; phraseology
  2. A word, phrase, or expression
  3. A particular word, phrase, or expression, especially one that is used by a particular person or group.
enunciation
The act of enunciating, announcing, proclaiming, or making known; open attestation; declaration; as, the enunciation of an important truth.
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  1. The act of enunciating, announcing, proclaiming, or making known; open attestation; declaration; as, the enunciation of an important truth.
  2. That which is enunciated or announced; words in which a proposition is expressed; an announcement; a formal declaration; a statement.
  3. Mode of utterance or pronunciation, especially as regards fullness and distinctness or articulation; as, to speak with a clear or impressive enunciation.
palaver
A negotiation or discussion concerning matters in dispute, especially in the traditional cultures of West Africa.
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  1. A negotiation or discussion concerning matters in dispute, especially in the traditional cultures of West Africa.
  2. A conference or discussion, as orig. between indigenous Africans and European explorers or traders
  3. Talk intended to charm or beguile.
communication
A means of communicating, especially:
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  1. A means of communicating, especially:
  2. A passage or way for getting from one place to another
  3. A giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing
prattle
Childish babble
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  1. Childish babble
  2. Idle or meaningless chatter; babble.
  3. Silly, childish, talk; babble.
parlance
Speech, especially a conversation or parley.
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  1. Speech, especially a conversation or parley.
  2. (Archaic) Conversation; esp., parley or debate
  3. A certain way of speaking, of using words, especially when it comes to those with a particular job or interest.
intercourse
Sexual intercourse.
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  1. Sexual intercourse.
  2. Dealings or communications between persons or groups.
chatter
Communication, such as e-mail and cell phone calls, between people who are involved in terrorism or espionage, as monitored by a government agency.
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  1. Communication, such as e-mail and cell phone calls, between people who are involved in terrorism or espionage, as monitored by a government agency.
  2. One who chats
  3. Idle, trivial talk.
lecture
A lengthy rebuke or scolding
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  1. A lengthy rebuke or scolding
  2. The text of such a talk
  3. An informative talk given as before an audience or class and usually prepared beforehand
discourse
A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
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  1. A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
  2. Communication of ideas, information, etc., esp. by talking; conversation
  3. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
oration
A speech delivered in a high-flown or pompous manner.
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  1. A speech delivered in a high-flown or pompous manner.
  2. A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion.
address
A name or number used in information storage or retrieval assigned to or identifying a specific memory location.
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  1. A name or number used in information storage or retrieval assigned to or identifying a specific memory location.
  2. The location at which a particular organization or person may be found or reached:
  3. A description of the location of a person or organization, as written or printed on mail as directions for delivery:
disquisition
A lengthy, formal discourse that analyses or explains some topic; a dissertation or treatise.
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  1. A lengthy, formal discourse that analyses or explains some topic; a dissertation or treatise.
  2. A formal discussion of some subject, often in writing; discourse or treatise
harangue
A long, blustering, noisy, or scolding speech; tirade
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  1. A long, blustering, noisy, or scolding speech; tirade
  2. A long pompous speech, especially one delivered before a gathering.
  3. A speech or piece of writing characterized by strong feeling or expression; a tirade.
sermon
An often lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation:
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  1. An often lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation:
  2. Any serious talk on behavior, responsibility, etc., esp. a long, tedious one
  3. A lecture given as instruction in religion or morals, esp. by a priest, minister, or rabbi during services, using a text from Scripture
dissertation
A formal and lengthy discourse or treatise on some subject, esp. one based on original research and written in partial fulfillment of requirements for a doctorate
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  1. A formal and lengthy discourse or treatise on some subject, esp. one based on original research and written in partial fulfillment of requirements for a doctorate
homily
A solemn, moralizing talk or writing, esp. if long or dull
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  1. A solemn, moralizing talk or writing, esp. if long or dull
  2. A moralizing lecture or admonition that is often tedious or condescending.
  3. A sermon, especially one intended to explain the practical and moral implications of a particular scriptural passage.
recitation
The material so presented.
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  1. The material so presented.
  2. A piece of prose or verse memorized for this
  3. The act of publicly reciting something previously memorized.
allocation
An allocating or being allocated
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  1. An allocating or being allocated
  2. A thing or amount allocated
talk
Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
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  1. Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
  2. Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
  3. A particular manner of speech:
rhetoric
A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject:
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  1. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject:
  2. Artificial eloquence; language that is showy and elaborate but largely empty of clear ideas or sincere emotion
  3. The art of using words effectively or persuasively in speaking or writing; esp., now, the art of prose composition
tirade
A long angry speech, usually of a censorious or denunciatory nature; a diatribe.
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  1. A long angry speech, usually of a censorious or denunciatory nature; a diatribe.
  2. A long, vehement speech, esp. one of denunciation; harangue
panegyric
Elaborate praise or laudation; an encomium.
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  1. Elaborate praise or laudation; an encomium.
  2. A formal speech or opus publicly praising someone or something.
  3. A formal speech or piece of writing praising a person or event
bombast
Cotton, or any soft, fibrous material, used as stuffing for garments; stuffing; padding.
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  1. Cotton, or any soft, fibrous material, used as stuffing for garments; stuffing; padding.
  2. (Figuratively) High-sounding words; a pompous or ostentatious manner of writing or speaking; language above the dignity of the occasion.
  3. Talk or writing that sounds grand or important but has little meaning; pompous language
diatribe
A bitter, abusive denunciation.
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  1. A bitter, abusive denunciation.
  2. A bitter, abusive criticism or denunciation
exhortation
The act or an instance of exhorting.
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  1. The act or an instance of exhorting.
  2. A plea, sermon, etc. that exhorts
  3. A speech or discourse that encourages, incites, or earnestly advises.
eulogy
High praise or commendation.
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  1. High praise or commendation.
  2. A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.
  3. Speech or writing in praise of a person, event, or thing; esp., a formal speech praising a person who has recently died
commentary
A narrative of historical events of which one has personal experience:
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  1. A narrative of historical events of which one has personal experience:
  2. Something having the force of a comment, remark, or illustration
  3. A series of explanatory notes or annotations, often forming a treatise on a text
declamation
The act or art of declaiming
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  1. The act or art of declaiming
  2. A speech marked by strong feeling; a tirade.
  3. A speech, poem, etc. that is or can be declaimed
appeal
A call upon some authority or person for a decision, opinion, etc.
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  1. A call upon some authority or person for a decision, opinion, etc.
  2. The process to seek and obtain a review and reversal of an administrative decision by a court or by a higher authority within the administrative agency. See also certiorari, notice of appeal, trial (trial de novo), and writ of error.
  3. A resort to a higher authority or greater power, as for sanction, corroboration, or a decision:
invocation
A prayer or other formula used in invoking, as at the opening of a religious service.
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  1. A prayer or other formula used in invoking, as at the opening of a religious service.
  2. The act of calling on God, a god, a saint, the Muses, etc. for blessing, help, inspiration, support, or the like
  3. The act or an instance of invoking, especially an appeal to a higher power for assistance.
salutation
A form of words serving as a greeting or, esp., as the opening of a letter, as “Dear Sir”
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  1. A form of words serving as a greeting or, esp., as the opening of a letter, as “Dear Sir”
  2. The act of greeting, addressing, or welcoming by gestures or words
  3. A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter or message.
travelogue
A film, usually short, about a foreign or out-of-the-way place, esp. one that emphasizes the place's unusual or glamorous aspects
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  1. A film, usually short, about a foreign or out-of-the-way place, esp. one that emphasizes the place's unusual or glamorous aspects
  2. A lecture on travels, usually accompanied by the showing of pictures
  3. A description of someone's travels, given in the form of narrative, public lecture, slide show or motion picture.
valedictory
A farewell or parting address.
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  1. A farewell or parting address.
  2. A speech given by a valedictorian at a graduation or commencement ceremony.
  3. A closing or farewell statement or address, especially one delivered at graduation exercises.
paper
Any written or printed document; any negotiable document or instrument evidencing the existence of a debt; stocks and bonds; securities. See negotiable instrument, bearer, commercial paper. Any written or printed document; any negotiable document or instrument evidencing the existence of a debt; stocks and bonds; securities. See negotiable instrument, bearer, commercial paper.
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  1. Any written or printed document; any negotiable document or instrument evidencing the existence of a debt; stocks and bonds; securities. See negotiable instrument, bearer, commercial paper. Any written or printed document; any negotiable document or instrument evidencing the existence of a debt; stocks and bonds; securities. See negotiable instrument, bearer, commercial paper.
  2. A single piece or sheet of paper
  3. A wrapper made of paper, often with its contents:
stump
A place or an occasion used for political or campaign oratory:
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  1. A place or an occasion used for political or campaign oratory:
  2. A short, pointed roll of leather or paper or wad of rubber for rubbing on a charcoal or pencil drawing to shade or soften it.
  3. A pointed roll of leather or paper used for shading drawings in charcoal, pencil, crayon, pastel, etc.
keynote address
A speech, as at a political convention, that sets forth the main ideas of a policy or platform
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  1. A speech, as at a political convention, that sets forth the main ideas of a policy or platform
  2. An opening address, as at a political convention, that outlines the issues to be considered.
speechification
(Derogatory or humorous) The act of speechifying.
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  1. (Derogatory or humorous) The act of speechifying.
opus
A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered to designate the order of a composer's works.
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  1. A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered to designate the order of a composer's works.
pep-talk
A speech of exhortation, as to a team or staff, meant to instill enthusiasm or bolster morale.
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  1. A speech of exhortation, as to a team or staff, meant to instill enthusiasm or bolster morale.
  2. (Colloquial) A rallying speech made to instill enthusiasm and boost confidence
  3. (Informal) A talk, as to an athletic team by its coach, designed to instill enthusiasm, determination, etc.
spiel
A lengthy or extravagant speech or argument usually intended to persuade.
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  1. A lengthy or extravagant speech or argument usually intended to persuade.
  2. A talk, speech, or harangue, as in persuading or selling
discourse
A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
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  1. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
  2. A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
  3. Communication of ideas, information, etc., esp. by talking; conversation
talk
Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
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  1. Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
  2. Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
  3. Hearsay, rumor, or speculation:
utterance
That which is uttered; esp., a word or words uttered, whether written or spoken
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  1. That which is uttered; esp., a word or words uttered, whether written or spoken
  2. The ability to speak.
  3. Something uttered or expressed; a statement.
chat
Small talk; chitchat
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  1. Small talk; chitchat
  2. Any of various birds in the families Muscicapidae or Parulidae that have a chattering call, especially the yellow-breasted chat.
  3. An easy, informal talk or conversation
conversation
(Archaic) Manner of living; behavior
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  1. (Archaic) Manner of living; behavior
  2. (Obs.) Familiarity based on study or use
  3. Familiar talk; verbal exchange of ideas, opinions, etc.
converse
An interchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language; conversation.
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  1. An interchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language; conversation.
  2. Something that has been reversed; an opposite.
  3. Informal talk; conversation
discourse
A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
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  1. A long and formal treatment of a subject, in speech or writing; lecture; treatise; dissertation
  2. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
  3. Communication of ideas, information, etc., esp. by talking; conversation
talk
Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
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  1. Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
  2. Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
  3. Hearsay, rumor, or speculation:
confab
A discussion, conference meeting, etc.
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  1. A discussion, conference meeting, etc.
  2. A confabulation; chat
  3. A casual talk or chat.
jaw
(Slang) Impudent argument or back talk:
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  1. (Slang) Impudent argument or back talk:
  2. A conversation or chat.
  3. (Slang, former) A talk
address
The manner or bearing of a person, especially in conversation.
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  1. The manner or bearing of a person, especially in conversation.
  2. The location at which a particular organization or person may be found or reached:
  3. A description of the location of a person or organization, as written or printed on mail as directions for delivery:
allocution
A formal address, esp. one warning or advising with authority
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  1. A formal address, esp. one warning or advising with authority
  2. The procedure during sentencing when a judge gives a convicted defendant the opportunity to make a personal statement on his own behalf to mitigate the punishment that is about to be imposed. The defendant does not have to be sworn before he makes his address, his comments are not subject to cross-examination, and the opportunity may include the right to offer evidence (such as an explanation for his conduct or a reason why severe sentence should not be imposed) beyond a request for mercy or an apology for his conduct.
  3. A formal and authoritative speech; an address.
declamation
A recitation delivered as an exercise in rhetoric or elocution.
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  1. A recitation delivered as an exercise in rhetoric or elocution.
  2. A speech, poem, etc. that is or can be declaimed
  3. A speech marked by strong feeling; a tirade.
lecture
A lengthy rebuke or scolding
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  1. A lengthy rebuke or scolding
  2. An informative talk given as before an audience or class and usually prepared beforehand
  3. The text of such a talk
oration
A speech delivered in a high-flown or pompous manner.
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  1. A speech delivered in a high-flown or pompous manner.
  2. A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion.
talk
Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
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  1. Empty speech or unnecessary discussion:
  2. Something, such as the sounds of animals, felt to resemble human talk:
  3. Hearsay, rumor, or speculation:
dialect
A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use:
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  1. A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use:
  2. The manner or style of expressing oneself in language or the arts.
  3. A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially a variety of speech differing from the standard literary language or speech pattern of the culture in which it exists:
language
Body language; kinesics.
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  1. Body language; kinesics.
  2. A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating:
  3. A particular manner of expression:
tongue
A muscular organ in most vertebrates that is usually attached to the bottom of the mouth. In snakes, the tongue is used as a sense organ. In frogs, the tongue is chiefly used to capture prey. In mammals, the tongue is the main organ of taste and is an important organ of digestion. In humans, the tongue is used to produce speech.
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  1. A muscular organ in most vertebrates that is usually attached to the bottom of the mouth. In snakes, the tongue is used as a sense organ. In frogs, the tongue is chiefly used to capture prey. In mammals, the tongue is the main organ of taste and is an important organ of digestion. In humans, the tongue is used to produce speech.
  2. In the Bible, a nation or people speaking a distinct language: Rev. 7:9
  3. A language or dialect
vernacular
The native language or dialect of a country or place
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  1. The native language or dialect of a country or place
  2. The common, nonscientific name of a plant or animal.
  3. The everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary language.
langue
(Linguistics) Language as a system rather than language in use, including the formal rules, structures, and limitations of language.
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  1. (Linguistics) Language as a system rather than language in use, including the formal rules, structures, and limitations of language.

Synonym Study

  • A sermon is a speech by a clergyman intended to give religious or moral instruction and usually based on Scriptural text
  • Talk suggests informality and is applied either to an impromptu speech or to an address or lecture in which the speaker deliberately uses a simple, conversational approach
  • A lecture is a carefully prepared speech intended to inform or instruct the audience a lecture to a college class
  • Oration suggests an eloquent, rhetorical, sometimes merely bombastic speech, esp. one delivered on some special occasion political orations
  • Address implies a formal, carefully prepared speech and usually attributes importance to the speaker or the speech an address to a legislature
  • Speech is the general word for a discourse delivered to an audience, whether prepared or impromptu
Find another word for speech. In this page you can discover 91 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for speech, like: oratory, colloquy, dialogue, tongue, mother-tongue, native-tongue, talk, utterance, discourse, conversation and articulation.

Sentence Examples

  • I guess the speech went pretty well.

  • You made that silly speech the other night and I'm still not buying.

  • "We're all a bit upset about this business," Groucho said, as nervous as a speech class drop out.

  • The fever had left him, and while he looked pale beneath his cocoa skin, he was alert and his speech coherent.

  • His absence of speech doesn't slow him down.

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Words that mention speech in the Dictionary

Words near speech in the Thesaurus