LexiTopic: Speech and Verbal Expression
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The LexiConnexxions analysis has identified these words related to SPEECH AND VERBAL EXPRESSION in the Spelling Bee lexicon.
The complete list of words on this topic is shown at right (on laptop or desktop) or at the end of the page (on mobile); the complete topical analysis is given below.
Bee words marked with an asterisk have been used in at least one Spelling Bee puzzle, then subsequently disallowed; they are retained here for historical interest.
The complete list of words on this topic is shown at right (on laptop or desktop) or at the end of the page (on mobile); the complete topical analysis is given below.
Bee words marked with an asterisk have been used in at least one Spelling Bee puzzle, then subsequently disallowed; they are retained here for historical interest.
Taxonomy for Spelling Bee words related to SPEECH AND VERBAL EXPRESSION
SUBJECT HEADINGS IN THIS LEXITOPIC:
Accusation and BlameAgreementApologies and ExcusesApproval and AffirmationArguments not debateAssertion and CertaintyChatter, Gossip, NonsenseCoherent, Intelligible, DirectComplaints and CriticismsConversation in generalDenial and RefusalDiction and PronunciationDisagreement, Disapproval, ObjectionDoubt and UncertaintyGaffes, Goofs, and BlundersGreetings and GoodbyesImpolite, Impertinent, InvectiveIncoherent, Unintelligible, IndirectInterjections, Exclamations, Intensives generalJargon, etc.Jokes, Riddles, Humor not teasing, not playLaughter, etc.Lies and LyingMeaning and ExpressionMonotonous, Repetitive, SuperficialOaths, Obscenities, ImprecationsPersuasion and Debate not argumentPolite, PleasantQuestions, Queries, and RequestsSayings and StatementsSecrets and DisclosuresShouting, ScreamingSilent, Muted, SparseSpeaking and Speakers general; the act of speakingTeasing and TauntingTone, Emphasis, InflectionWeeping and Wailing
NOTES ABOUT THE TAXONOMY FOR SPEECH AND VERBAL EXPRESSION
SCOPE NOTE: This LexiTopic compiles and defines Bee words related to human speech and verbal expression, as well as some words related to informal written expression that are not indexed in WRITING AND PUBLISHING.
Words related to emotions and behaviors related to these speech categories are in PEOPLE: EMOTION AND AFFECT and PEOPLE: ENGAGEMENT AND INTERACTION.
Words related to thought, comprehension, doubt., etc., that are not specifically about speech or expression are in PEOPLE: THOUGHT AND COMPREHENSION.
Topical arrangement of Spelling Bee words related to SPEECH AND VERBAL EXPRESSION
Accusation and Blame
ARRAIGN: to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfectionARRAIGNING: to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfectionBLAMABLE: or blameable, deserving blame: reprehensibleBLAME: an expression of disapproval or reproach: censure; a state of being blameworthy: culpability; responsibility for something believed to deserve censure; also, to find fault with: censure; to hold responsibleBLAMEABLE: variant of blamable, deserving blame: reprehensibleBLAMING: to find fault with: censure; to hold responsibleCHARGING: to make an assertion against especially by ascribing guilt or blame (charges him with armed robbery; charged as instigators); to place the guilt or blame for; to assert as an accusationCOPPED: slang: to admit, to make acknowledgmentCOPPING: slang: to admit, to make acknowledgmentDRUB: to berate criticallyGAVE: to inflict as punishment (gave him a dressing down)GIVE: to inflict as punishment (gave him a dressing down)GIVEN: to inflict as punishment (gave him a dressing down)GIVING: to inflict as punishment (gave him a dressing down)IMPUGN: to assail by words or arguments: oppose or attack as false or lacking integrityIMPUGNING: to assail by words or arguments: oppose or attack as false or lacking integrityIMPUTE: to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustlyIMPUTED: to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustlyIMPUTING: to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustlyINDICT: to accuse (someone or something) of a weakness, failing, or wrong actionINDICTED: to accuse (someone or something) of a weakness, failing, or wrong actionINDICTING: to accuse (someone or something) of a weakness, failing, or wrong actionNAME: to accuse by name (named the thief)NAMING: to accuse by name (named the thief)PEACH: to inform against: to betray; to turn informer: to blab
REPROVE: to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent; to express rebuke or reproofTAXED: to charge, to accuse (taxed him with neglect of duty)VILIFIED: to utter slanderous and abusive statements against; to lower in estimation or importanceVILIFY: to utter slanderous and abusive statements against; to lower in estimation or importanceVILIFYING: to utter slanderous and abusive statements against; to lower in estimation or importance
Agreement
ACCEPT: to make a favorable response to (accept an offer)ALONG: in accordance with (e.g., a new agreement along the lines of the first)ARIGHT*: right, correctlyAYES: yes; also, an affirmative vote or voter (the ayes have it)CHECK: interjection, used to express assent or agreementCHORD: to bring into agreement: to reconcile; to be consistent or in harmony: to agree —usually used with ‘with’CONCLUDE: to come to an agreement onCONCLUDED: to come to an agreement onCONCORD: a state of agreement: harmonyCONCORDANT: in agreementCONCUR: to express agreement (concur with an opinion)CONDITION: to agree by stipulating; to make conditionalCONDITIONING: to agree by stipulating; to make conditionalCONFORM: to bring into harmony or accord; to be in agreement or harmonyCOOL: informal: all right; agreeable (Is getting together Friday night cool with you?)ECHO: to restate in support or agreement (his successor echoed his opinion)ECHOED: to restate in support or agreement (his successor echoed his opinion)ECHOING: to restate in support or agreement (his successor echoed his opinion)FINE: all right (that's fine with me)NATCH: slang: of course: naturally; by shortening & alteration from naturallyOKAY: variant of OK: all right: satisfactory, agreeable; abbreviation of oll korrect, facetious alteration of all correct
OVER: to agreement or concord (won them over)PATIENT: susceptible, admitting (patient of one interpretation)RIGHTO: used to express cheerful concurrence, assent, or understandingUNITED: being in agreement: harmoniousVIBE: informal: to be in harmony, to agree (they vibed with the new review)VIBED: informal: to be in harmony, to agree (they vibed with the new review)VIBING: informal: to be in harmony, to agree (they vibed with the new review)WILCO: —used especially in radio and signaling to indicate that a message received will be complied with, will complyYEAH: informal: yesYEAS: affirmation, assent; an affirmative vote; also, a person casting a yea vote
Apologies and Excuses
APOLOGY: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret; apologies plural: an expression of regret for not being able to do somethingDIALOG: less common variant of dialogue: a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution (a constructive dialogue between loggers and environmentalists); also, to take part in a dialogueNONAPOLOGY: a disingenuous or insufficient apology: a statement that is offered as an apology but that fails to express true regret or to take responsibility for having done or said something wrong; also: a refusal to apologizeOWNED: acknowledge, admit (owned their mistake)OWNING: acknowledge, admit (owned their mistake)PALLIATIVE: (n) something that palliates; (adj) serving to palliate, to cover by excuses and apologies (tried to palliate his blunder)PLEA: something offered by way of excuse or justification (left early with the plea of a headache)PLEAD: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excusePLEADED: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excusePLED: to offer as a plea usually in defense, apology, or excuse
Approval and Affirmation
ACCEDE: to express approval or give consent: to agree to a request or demand; to become a party to [usually re: government]ACCEDED: to express approval or give consent: to agree to a request or demand; to become a party to [usually re: government]AFFIRM: to validate or confirmAFFIRMING: to validate or confirmAMEN: used to express solemn ratification (as of an expression of faith); or used to express hearty approval (as of an assertion)ATTABOY: used to express encouragement, approval, or admiration; probably alteration of that's the boyATTAGIRL: used to express encouragement, approval, or admiration to a woman or girl; also, chiefly US, informal: [noun] an expression of encouragement, approval, or admiration given to a woman or girl; probably alteration of that's the girlBINGO: used to announce an unexpected event or instantaneous result, or used to express endorsement of a correct assertionBRAVA: bravo: used interjectionally in applauding a womanBRAVO: a shout of approval —often used interjectionally in applauding a performance CHORD: to accord: to grant or give especially as appropriate, due, or earnedCONCUR: to approve (concur in a statement)FAVOR: approving consideration or attention: approbation (looked with favor on the enterprise)HAIL: an interjection, used to express acclamationHOORAH: M-W: less common variant of hurrah: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHOORAY: M-W: less common variant of hurrah: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHURRAH: or less commonly hooray: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHURRAY: or less commonly hooray: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHUZZAH: an expression or shout of acclaim —often used interjectionally to express joy or approbationOKAY: variant of OK: approval or endorsement; also, to approve or authorize; abbreviation of oll korrect, facetious alteration of all correctOKAYING: variant of OK: approval or endorsement; also, to approve or authorize; abbreviation of oll korrect, facetious alteration of all correctPLAUDIT: an act or round of applause; also, enthusiastic approval —usually used in plural (she received the plaudits of the critics)ROOT: to noisily applaud or encourage a contestant or team: to cheerTAFFY: insincere flatteryTELL: to assure emphatically (they did not do it, I tell you)TOADY: one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors: a sycophant; also, to behave as a toady: to engage in sycophancy; shortened from toadeaterTOLD: to assure emphatically (they did not do it, I tell you)
Arguments not debate
ARGUABLY: as may be argued or shown by argumentARGUING: to contend or disagree in words: dispute; to prove or try to prove by giving reasons: maintainATTACK: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsATTACKED: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsATTACKING: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsBUDGING: to give way: to yield (wouldn't budge on the issue)CONFLICT: fight, battle, warDEBATED: a contention by words or arguments; to contend in words; to argue aboutDUEL: a conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces; also: a hard-fought contest between two opponents; also, to fight a duel; to encounter (an opponent) in a duelDUELED: a conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces; also: a hard-fought contest between two opponents; also, to fight a duel; to encounter (an opponent) in a duelEXPOUND: to defend with argumentEXPOUNDED: to defend with argumentFEUD: a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterateFEUDED: a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterateFIGHT: a verbal disagreement: an argument; also, a hostile encounterFOUGHT: a verbal disagreement: an argument; also, a hostile encounterFRICTION: the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views: disagreementFUMED: to utter while in a state of excited irritation or angerFUSS: an often petty controversy or quarrelHAND: one of two sides or aspects of an issue or argument (On the one hand we can appeal for peace, and on the other, declare war.); also, the force or solidity of one's position (as in negotiations) (trying to strengthen their hand)IMBROGLIO: a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation; embroilmentMIFF: a fit of ill humor; a trivial quarrel; also, to put into an ill humor: to offendMIFFED: to put into an ill humor: to offendMIFFING: to put into an ill humor: to offendOPPONENCY*: opposition, antagonismOPPONENT: antagonistic, opposing; also, one that takes an opposite position (as in an argument)OPPUGN: to fight against verbally (oppugn an argument)OPPUGNING: to fight against verbally (oppugn an argument)OUTDUEL: to defeat or outdo in a duel or competitionOUTDUELED: to defeat or outdo in a duel or competitionPART: one of the opposing sides in a conflict or dispute (I’m not taking either part in this argument)PARTY: a person or group taking one side of a question, dispute, or contest (The parties in the lawsuit reached an agreement.)PETTIFOG: to quibble over insignificant details: to cavil, to bicker; back formation from a pettifogger (a lawyer whose methods are petty, underhanded, or disreputable: a shyster; or one given to quibbling over trifles); it may come from "Fugger," the name of a successful family of 15th- and 16th-century German merchants and financiers. Germanic variations of "fugger" were used for the wealthy and avaricious, as well as for huckstersPICK: to provoke (pick a quarrel)PICKED: to provoke (pick a quarrel)POLEMIC: an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another; also, the art or practice of disputation or controversy —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction; also, an aggressive controversialist: a disputantROWING: to engage in a row, a noisy disturbance or quarrel: to have a quarrelTANGLE: a serious altercation: dispute; also, to interact in a contentious or conflicting way (don’t tangle with him)TANGLING: a serious altercation: dispute; also, to interact in a contentious or conflicting way (don’t tangle with him)WORD: a quarrelsome utterance or conversation —usually used in plural (They had words and parted.)
Assertion and Certainty
ACCLAIM: to declare by acclamationADAMANCY: the quality or state of being adamant: obstinacyADAMANT: unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion: unyieldingADAMANTLY: in an adamant manner: with great insistence or determinationBLUNT: being straight to the point: directCONTEND: to maintain, assert (contended that he was right)CONTENDED: to maintain, assert (contended that he was right)CONTENTION: an act or instance of contendingEXPOUND: to set forth: to stateEXPOUNDED: to set forth: to stateFALL: to issue [by speaking] (wisdom that fell from his lips)FALLEN: to issue [by speaking] (wisdom that fell from his lips)FALLING: to issue [by speaking] (wisdom that fell from his lips)FALLS: to issue [by speaking] (wisdom that fell from his lips)FELL: to issue [by speaking] (wisdom that fell from his lips)LAID: to lay: to assert, allege (lay claim to an estate)LAYING: to lay: to assert, allege (lay claim to an estate)MAINTAIN: to assert (maintained that the earth is flat)MAINTAINING: to assert (maintained that the earth is flat)PLUMPLY* : in a wholehearted manner and without hesitation or circumlocution: forthrightlyPOINT: to give added force, emphasis, or piquancy to (point up a remark)POINTING: to give added force, emphasis, or piquancy to (point up a remark)PUFF: to speak or act in a scornful, conceited, or exaggerated mannerPUFFED: to speak or act in a scornful, conceited, or exaggerated manner
Chatter, Gossip, Nonsense
BABBLE: to talk enthusiastically or excessivelyBABBLING: to talk enthusiastically or excessivelyBEAN: beans plural: nonsense, bunkum —used in the phrase full of beansBLAB: idle or excessive talk: chatter; to talk idly or thoughtlesslyBLABBING: idle or excessive talk: chatter; to talk idly or thoughtlesslyBLABBY: idle or excessive talk: chatter; to talk idly or thoughtlesslyBLAT: to blab; also, the sound made by blattingBLEAT: to blather, to talk foolishly at lengthBOSH: foolish talk or activity: nonsense —often used interjectionally
BULL: slang: empty boastful talk; also, slang: to engage in idle and boastful talk; also, slang: to fool especially by fast boastful talkBURBLING: to babble, prattleCACKLE: to chatterCACKLED: to chatterCACKLING: to chatterCARRY: to convey by direct communication (carry tales)CARRYING: to convey by direct communication (carry tales)CHAT: idle small talk: chatter; light informal or familiar talk, especially: conversation; also, to chatter, prattle; to talk in an informal or familiar manner; CHATTY: fond of chatting: talkative; also, having the style and manner of light familiar conversationCHIN: slang: to talk idlyCHINNED: slang: to talk idlyCHINNING: slang: to talk idlyCHITCHAT: small talk, gossipCLACK: to chatter or prattleCLACKED: to chatter or prattleCLACKING: to chatter or prattleCLAMOR: to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily (cart peddlers clamored their wares)DIRT: scandalous or malicious gossip; embarrassing or incriminating informationDROOL: nonsense; also, to talk nonsenseFLAP: to talk foolishly and persistentlyFLAPPING: to talk foolishly and persistentlyGABBLE: to talk fast or foolishly: jabber; to utter inarticulate or animal sounds; to say with incoherent rapidity: babbleGABBLING: to talk fast or foolishly: jabber; to utter inarticulate or animal sounds; to say with incoherent rapidity: babbleGABBY: talkative, garrulousGAMMON*: to talk gammon; to gossip; nonsenseHOODOO: nonsense, hokumHOOEY: nonsenseJIVE: glib or foolish talk; also, to say foolish or unserious things to (someone); to talk in a foolish or unserious way: to talk jiveLEFT: left field: a source of the unexpected or illogical (that question came out of left field)MOUTH: a tendency to excessive talk (he is not all mouth … he gets results); also, to rant —often used with offMOUTHED: a tendency to excessive talk (he is not all mouth … he gets results); also, to rant —often used with offMUCK: rubbish, nonsense (mindless muck)OUTTALK: to outdo or surpass in talking: to talk more thanPIFFLE: trivial nonsense; also, to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective wayPIFFLING: trivial nonsense; also, to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective wayPIPELINE: a direct channel for information (he’s the best pipeline for inside info about that organization)PUNK: nonsense, foolishnessRALLY: to attack with raillery: to banterRALLYING: to attack with raillery: to banterRUMOR: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source; a statement or report current without known authority for its truth; also, to tell or spread by rumorRUMORING: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source; a statement or report current without known authority for its truth; also, to tell or spread by rumorTALE: a libelous report or piece of gossipTALK: the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip (it's the talk of the town); rumor, gossip; also, to gossip; also, pointless or fruitless discussion: verbiage; also, to speak idly: to prateTALKED: the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip (it's the talk of the town); rumor, gossip; also, to gossip; also, pointless or fruitless discussion: verbiage; also, to speak idly: to prateTATTLE: idle talk; chatter; gossip; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTATTLED: idle talk; chatter; gossip; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTATTLING: idle talk; chatter; gossip; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTOMMYROT: utter foolishness or nonsenseTONGUE: ecstatic, typically unintelligible utterance occurring especially in a moment of religious excitation —usually plural (speaking in tongues)WAFFLE: empty or pretentious words: tripe; also, to talk or write foolishly: to blatherWAGGING: to move in chatter or gossip (scandal caused tongues to wag); to move (the tongue) animatedly in conversationWIND: mere talk: idle wordsWORD: rumor (Word has it that the event is going to be cancelled.)YAKKING: to talk persistently: to chatter
YAKS: or less commonly yack: to talk persistently: to chatter; persistent or voluble talkYAPPED: to talk in a shrill insistent way: to chatterYAPPY: resembling or characteristic of a yap, shrill insistent talk: chatter
Coherent, Intelligible, Direct
CANDID: marked by honest sincere expression (e.g., a candid discussion)CLARIFY: to make understandable (clarify a subject)CLARITY: the quality of being easily understoodDICTION: choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectivenessFLUENCY: the quality or state of being fluent: capable of using a language easily and accuratelyFLUENT: capable of using a language easily and accuratelyFLUENTLY: using a language easily and accuratelyFORTHRIGHT: free from ambiguity or evasiveness: going straight to the pointFRANK: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expressionFRANKLY: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expressionINTELLIGIBLE: capable of being understood or comprehended; apprehensible by the intellect onlyLUCID: clear to the understanding: intelligibleLUCIDITY: clearness of thought or styleLUCIDLY: clear to the understanding: intelligiblePLAIN: clear (let me make my meaning plain); marked by outspoken candor: free from duplicity or subtlety: blunt (plain talk); in a plain manner: without obscurity or ambiguityPLAINLY: clear (let me make my meaning plain); marked by outspoken candor: free from duplicity or subtlety: blunt (plain talk); in a plain manner: without obscurity or ambiguityPOINT: cogencyPUNGENCY: the quality or state of being pungent: being sharp and to the pointROLL: to flow as part of a stream of words or sounds (The names roll off your tongue.)TELL: to relate in detail: to narrate; to give an account; to give information to: to informTOLD: to relate in detail: to narrate; to give an account; to give information to: to inform
Complaints and Criticisms
BARRAGING: to deliver a barrage (a vigorous or rapid outpouring or projection of many things at once) against [someone or something] (were barraged with bullets, being barraged by campaign ads before the electionBEEF: to complainBEEFED: to complainBELLYACHE: to complain whiningly or peevishly: find faultBITCH*: informal: a complaintBLEAT: a feeble outcry, protest, or complaint; also, to talk complainingly or with a whineCANDID: disposed to criticize severely: blunt (candid critics)CARP: to find fault or complain querulously; also, a complaintCARPING: marked by or inclined to querulous and often perverse criticismCAVIL: to raise trivial and frivolous objectionCHIDE: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke; to voice disapproval to: reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner: to scoldCHIDED: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke; to voice disapproval to: reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner: to scoldCHIRP: to make sharply critical or complaining remarksCLAPBACK: (or less commonly clap back) US, informal: a quick, sharp, and effective response to criticismCOMEBACK: a cause for complaintCRAB: to complain about peevishly; to carp, to grouse (always crabs about the weather)CRITICAL: inclined to criticize severely and unfavorablyCRITICALLY: inclined to criticize severely and unfavorablyCROAK: to grumble, to mutter in discontentDAMN: to condemn vigorously and often irascibly for some real or fancied fault or defect (damned the storm for their delay)DAMNING: to condemn vigorously and often irascibly for some real or fancied fault or defect (damned the storm for their delay)DING: informal: to penalize or criticize; to do harm to (their errors are dinging the store's reputation)DINGED: informal: to penalize or criticize; to do harm to (their errors are dinging the store's reputation)DINGING: informal: to penalize or criticize; to do harm to (their errors are dinging the store's reputation)DOGPILE: a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. directed at someone or something by many people; also, of a group of people: to direct a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. at (someone or something)DOGPILED: a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. directed at someone or something by many people; also, of a group of people: to direct a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. at (someone or something)DRUB: to berate critically
FLACK: less common spelling of flak: criticism, opposition; from flak: antiaircraft guns, or the bursting shells fired from flak; German, from Fliegerabwehrkanonen, from Flieger flyer + Abwehr defense + Kanonen cannonsFLAK: or less commonly flack: criticism, opposition; from flak: antiaircraft guns, or the bursting shells fired from flak; German, from Fliegerabwehrkanonen, from Flieger flyer + Abwehr defense + Kanonen cannonsFLAY: to criticize harshly: to excoriateFLOG: to criticize harshlyFLOGGING: to criticize harshlyFUSS: to express annoyance or pique: to complainGRIPING: complaining with grumblingGRUMPING: to grumble or complainHELL: a severe scoldingINVEIGH: to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently: to railINVEIGHED: to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently: to railINVEIGHING: to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently: to railKEEN: to complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryKEENED: to complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryKEENING: to complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryKICK: to express grave discontent; broadly: to complainKICKED: to express grave discontent; broadly: to complainKICKING: to express grave discontent; broadly: to complainKNOCK: to find fault with; also, a harsh and often petty criticismKNOCKED: to find fault with; also, a harsh and often petty criticismKNOCKING: to find fault with; also, a harsh and often petty criticismLACE: to make a verbal attack —usually used with into (his boss laced into him for being late)LACED: to make a verbal attack —usually used with into (his boss laced into him for being late)LACING: to make a verbal attack —usually used with into (his boss laced into him for being late)LAMENT: a complaintMOAN: a complaint; also, to lament, complain; to make a moan: to groan; to emit a sound resembling a moanMOUTH: to utter bombastically: to declaim; to talk pompously: to rant —often used with offMOUTHED: to utter bombastically: to declaim; to talk pompously: to rant —often used with offMURMUR: a half-suppressed or muttered complaint: grumbling; also, to complain, to grumbleMURMURING: a half-suppressed or muttered complaint: grumbling; also, to complain, to grumbleNAGGED: to irritate by constant scolding or urging; to badger, worry; to find fault incessantly: to complain; to be a persistent source of annoyance or distractionNAGGING: to irritate by constant scolding or urging; to badger, worry; to find fault incessantly: to complain; to be a persistent source of annoyance or distractionNAGGY: given to or characterized by naggingNICK: to make petty attacks: to snipeNICKED: to make petty attacks: to snipeNICKING: to make petty attacks: to snipeNIGGLE: to find fault constantly in a petty way: carpNIGGLING: to find fault constantly in a petty way: carpNITPICK: to engage in nit-picking or to criticize by nit-picking, minute and usually unjustified criticismNITPICKY: to engage in nit-picking or to criticize by nit-picking, minute and usually unjustified criticismNOODGING*: to pester, to nagPANNED: to criticize severely (the show was panned)PANNING: to criticize severely (the show was panned)PECK: to carp, nagPECKED: to carp, nagPEEP: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundPEEPED: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundPEEPING: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundPHILIPPIC: a discourse or declamation full of bitter condemnation: a tirade; from … Greek philippikoi logoi, speeches of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon, literally, speeches relating to PhilipPINK: to wound by irony, criticism, or ridiculePINKING: to wound by irony, criticism, or ridiculePINKING: to wound by irony, criticism, or ridiculePLAINT: protest, complaintPOKE: a cutting remark: a digRAGGING: to rail at: to scoldRAKING: to censure severelyRANT: a long, angry speech or piece of writing: a tirade; also, to complain loudly, angrily, or unreasonablyRAPPING: to criticize sharplyRIPPING: to criticize, disparage (the critic ripped the new movie)WAIL: a querulous expression of grievance: complaint; also, to express dissatisfaction plaintively: to complain; to say or express plaintively (wailed that her cake was ruined)WAILING: a querulous expression of grievance: complaint; also, to express dissatisfaction plaintively: to complain; to say or express plaintively (wailed that her cake was ruined)WHINE: a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINED: a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGE: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGEING: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGING: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINING: a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHININGLY: in a whining tone or manner (the boards creaked whiningly beneath their feet) (the child pleaded whiningly)WHINY: characterized by or given to complainingWHIP: to belabor with stinging words: to abuseWHIPPING: a severe beating or chastisement; also, to belabor with stinging words: to abuseWIGGED: to scold severelyWIGGING: to scold severelyZING: to criticize in a pointed or witty mannerZINGING: to criticize in a pointed or witty manner
Conversation in general
AGITATE: to discuss excitedly and earnestlyAGITATING: to discuss excitedly and earnestlyAGITATION: to discuss excitedly and earnestlyALACRITY: promptness in response: cheerful readinessBATTED: to discuss at length: to consider in detail (batted around an idea)BATTING: to discuss at length: to consider in detail (batted around an idea)CAGILY: marked by cleverness (a cagey reply)CAGY: marked by cleverness (a cagey reply)COMEBACK: a sharp or witty reply: a retortCOMMENT: an observation or remark expressing an opinion or attitude (critical comments, constructive comments)CONVO: informal: conversation, oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas; also, an instance of such exchange: a talk; shortened from conversationDEVIATE: to stray especially from a topic (deviating from the subject)DEVIATED: to stray especially from a topic (deviating from the subject)DIALOG: less common variant of dialogue: a conversation between two or more persons; also, an exchange of ideas and opinions (organized a series of dialogues on human rights); also, to take part in a dialogue; also, to take part in a dialogue (managers dialoguing with employees)DROP: to utter or mention in a casual way (drop a suggestion, drop names)DROPPING: to utter or mention in a casual way (drop a suggestion, drop names)EDUCE: to bring out (something, such as something latent)EDUCED: to bring out (something, such as something latent)ELICIT: to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response); also, to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)ELICITING: to call forth or draw out (something, such as information or a response); also, to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)EVADE: to avoid answering directly: to turn asideEVADED: to avoid answering directly: to turn asideEVADING: to avoid answering directly: to turn asideEVOKE: to invoke; to call forth or up: such as to bring to mind or recollection; to cite especially with approval or for support; to re-create imaginativelyEVOKING: to invoke; to call forth or up: such as to bring to mind or recollection; to cite especially with approval or for support; to re-create imaginativelyEXPAND: to express at length or in greater detail; to speak or write fully or in detail (expanded on the theme)EXPANDED: to express at length or in greater detail; to speak or write fully or in detail (expanded on the theme)FINALLY: by way of conclusion: as the last pointFLOW: smooth uninterrupted movement or progress (a flow of information or conversation); also, to proceed smoothly and readily (conversation flowed easily)FLOWED: smooth uninterrupted movement or progress (a flow of information or conversation); also, to proceed smoothly and readily (conversation flowed easily)FLOWING: smooth uninterrupted movement or progress (a flow of information or conversation); also, to proceed smoothly and readily (conversation flowed easily)FUDGE: to fail to come to grips with: to dodge (fudged the issue)FUDGED: to fail to come to grips with: to dodge (fudged the issue)FUDGING: to fail to come to grips with: to dodge (fudged the issue)GAMBIT: a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling pointGAVE: to lead or attempt to lead —used with an infinitive (you gave me to understand you'd be late); to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use (gives no reason for his absence)GIVE: to lead or attempt to lead —used with an infinitive (you gave me to understand you'd be late); to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use (gives no reason for his absence)GIVEN: to lead or attempt to lead —used with an infinitive (you gave me to understand you'd be late); to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use (gives no reason for his absence)GIVING: to lead or attempt to lead —used with an infinitive (you gave me to understand you'd be late); to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use (gives no reason for his absence)INJECT: to introduce as an element or factor in or into some situation or subjectINJECTED: to introduce as an element or factor in or into some situation or subjectMARK: the point under discussionMEAN: to direct to a particular individual (His criticism was meant for all of us.)MEANING: to direct to a particular individual (His criticism was meant for all of us.)MEANT: to direct to a particular individual (His criticism was meant for all of us.)MENTION: the act or an instance of citing or calling attention to someone or something especially in a casual or incidental manner; also, to make mention ofMENTIONING: the act or an instance of citing or calling attention to someone or something especially in a casual or incidental manner; also, to make mention ofNAMELY: that is to say: to witNOTE: to make special mention of or remark onNOTED: to make special mention of or remark onNOTING: to make special mention of or remark on
OVER: in an intensive or comprehensive manner (talked the matter over with his wife)PIDGIN: a simplified speech used for communication between people with different languagesPROPOUND: to offer for discussion or considerationRAPPING: to talk freely and frankly
REVOLVE: to have or come to a specified focus: to center —usually used with around (the dispute revolved around wages)TALK: to make the subject of conversation or discourse: to: discuss (let’s talk business) ; also, to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words or sign language: to converseTALKED: to make the subject of conversation or discourse: to: discuss (let’s talk business) ; also, to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words or sign language: to converseTRAFFIC: communication or dealings especially between individuals or groups; also, exchange (traffic of ideas)URGING: to stimulate, provoke (Urge not my father's anger … —William Shakespeare)WORD: a brief remark or conversation (a word of advice, I would like to have a word with you.); words plural: talk, discourse
Denial and Refusal
DECLINE: to refuse especially courteously (decline an invitation, declined to give her name to the reporter)DECLINED: to refuse especially courteously (decline an invitation, declined to give her name to the reporter)DENIED: to refuse to admit or acknowledge (something): to disavow; to declare (something) to be untrue (They denied the allegations); to give a negative answer to (denying the petitioners); to refuse to grant (deny a request; was denied a refund)DENY: to refuse to admit or acknowledge (something): to disavow; to declare (something) to be untrue (They denied the allegations); to give a negative answer to (denying the petitioners); to refuse to grant (deny a request; was denied a refund)DENYING: to refuse to admit or acknowledge (something): to disavow; to declare (something) to be untrue (They denied the allegations); to give a negative answer to (denying the petitioners); to refuse to grant (deny a request; was denied a refund)NEGATE: to deny the existence or truth ofNEGATED: to deny the existence or truth ofNIXED: US, informal: to refuse to accept or allow (something): to veto, rejectNIXING: US, informal: to refuse to accept or allow (something): to veto, rejectNOPE: informal: no
Diction and Pronunciation
ACCENT: an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables; also: the stress thus given a syllable; also, to pronounce (part of a word) with greater stress or force: to stress; also, a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region; an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of wordsAPICAL*: of, relating to, or formed with the tip of the tongue (as of consonants)BACK: to articulate (a speech sound) with the tongue farther back: to form deeper within the mouth; also, of a speech sound: articulated at or toward the back of the oral passage: formed deep within the mouth (back vowels)BILABIAL: of a consonant: produced with both lips; or such a consonantBLEND: a group of two or more consecutive consonants that begin a syllableBLENDED: a group of two or more consecutive consonants that begin a syllableBURR: a trilled uvular \r\ as used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland; also, a tongue-point trill that is the usual Scottish \r\; also, to speak with a burr; to pronounce with a burrCLICK: a speech sound in some languages made by enclosing air between two stop articulations of the tongue, enlarging the enclosure to rarefy the air, and suddenly opening the enclosureCLIP: to abbreviate in speech or writingCLIPPED: to abbreviate in speech or writingDICTION: vocal expression: enunciationDROP: in linguistics: to leave (a letter representing a speech sound) unsounded (drop the g in running)DROPPING: in linguistics: to leave (a letter representing a speech sound) unsounded (drop the g in running)ELIDE: to suppress or alter (something, such as a vowel or syllable) by elisionELIDED: to suppress or alter (something, such as a vowel or syllable) by elisionFLAP: a consonant (such as the sound \d\ in ladder and \t\ in latter) characterized by a single rapid contact of the tongue or lower lip against another point in the mouthFLAT: of the vowel a: pronounced as in bad or batFLEXION: inflection, in the sense of the change of form that words undergo to mark such distinctions as those of case, gender, number, tense, person, mood, or voice; also, a form, suffix, or element involved in such variationFORMANT*: a characteristic component of the quality of a speech soundFRICTION: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottisGLIDE: a less prominent vowel sound produced by the passing of the vocal organs to or from the articulatory position of a speech sound; semivowelGLOTTAL: of, relating to, or produced in or by the glottisHIATAL: the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal soundHIGH: articulated or pronounced with some part of the tongue close to the palate (a high vowel)IMPEDIMENT: an impairment (such as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speechINFIX: to insert (a sound or letter) as an infix, a derivational or inflectional affix appearing in the body of a word (such as Sanskrit -n- in vindami "I know" as contrasted with vid "to know")LABIAL: uttered with the participation of one or both lips (the labial sounds \f\, \p\, and \ü\); also, a labial consonant LABIALIZING: to make labial: to round [the lips]; Collins: to pronounce (a sound or sounds) by using the lips, sometimes excessively; to round (a vowel)LAMINAL: produced with the blade of the tongue (such as \sh\, \zh\, \ch\, \j\, or \y\)LAXITY: the quality or state of being lax: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)LAXLY: lax: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)LENGTH: relative duration or stress of a sound (such as a vowel or syllable)LIGHT: not bearing a stress or accent (a light syllable); also, having a clear soft quality (a light voice)LIQUID: a liquid consonant; also, articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel (that is, as a liquid consonant)LIQUIDLY: a liquid consonant; also, articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel (that is, as a liquid consonant)LONG: a long syllable; also, of a speech sound: having a relatively long duration; also, being the member of a pair of similarly spelled vowel or vowel-containing sounds that is descended from a vowel long in duration (long a in fate); also, of a syllable in prosody, of relatively extended duration, or bearing a stress or accent (a long syllable)MEDIA: a voiced stop: a pause or breaking off in speechNARROW: tense: produced with the muscles involved in a relatively tense state (the vowels \ē\ and \ü\ in contrast with the vowels \i\ and \u̇\ are tense)PALATAL: [of consonants:] formed with some part of the tongue near or touching the hard palate of the roof of the mouth posterior to the ridge of bone behind the upper teeth; of a vowel: front, articulated at or toward the front of the oral passagePALATALLY* : [of consonants:] formed with some part of the tongue near or touching the hard palate of the roof of the mouth posterior to the ridge of bone behind the upper teeth; of a vowel: front, articulated at or toward the front of the oral passagePHONE: a speech sound considered as a physical event without regard to its place in the sound system of a languagePHONEME: any of the abstract units of the phonetic system of a language that correspond to a set of similar speech sounds (such as the velar \k\ of cool and the palatal \k\ of keel) which are perceived to be a single distinctive sound in the languagePHONIC: of or relating to the sounds of speech; of or relating to phonicsRHOTIC: phonetics: of, relating to, having, or being an accent or dialect in English in which an /r/ sound is retained before consonants (as in pronouncing hard and cart) and at the end of a word (as in pronouncing car and far); also, phonetics, of a vowel: influenced in coloring by an adjacent /r/ soundRHYTHM: an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the flow of sound and silence in speech; also, a particular example or form of rhythm (e.g., iambic rhythm)ROLL: to utter with a trill (rolled his r's)ROUNDING: pronounced with rounded lips: labialized; also, to make (the lips) round and protruded (as in the pronunciation of \ü\); to pronounce with lip rounding: to labializeTRILL: the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the ridge of bone behind the teeth in the upper jaw); also, a speech sound made by a trill; also, to utter as or with or as if with a trill (trill the r)TRILLING: the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the ridge of bone behind the teeth in the upper jaw); also, a speech sound made by a trill; also, to utter as or with or as if with a trill (trill the r)UMLAUT: the change of a vowel (such as \ü\ to \ē\ in goose, geese) that is caused by partial assimilation to a succeeding sound or that occurs as a reflex of the former presence of a succeeding sound which has been lost or altered; also, a vowel resulting from such partial assimilation; also, to produce by umlautUVULAR: produced with the aid of the uvula (a uvular sound)VARIANT: one of two or more different spellings (such as labor and labour) or pronunciations (as of economics \ek-, ēk-\) of the same wordVOCAL: (adj) vocalic: marked by or consisting of vowels; being or functioning as a vowel; of, relating to, or associated with a vowelVOCALIC: marked by or consisting of vowels; being or functioning as a vowel; of, relating to, or associated with a vowel; also, a vowel sound or sequence in its function as the most sonorous part of a syllableVOICE: expiration of air with the vocal cords drawn close so as to vibrate audibly (as in uttering vowels and consonant sounds as \v\ or \z\); also, to pronounce (a speech sound, such as a consonant) with voiceVOICED: expiration of air with the vocal cords drawn close so as to vibrate audibly (as in uttering vowels and consonant sounds as \v\ or \z\); also, to pronounce (a speech sound, such as a consonant) with voiceVOICING: expiration of air with the vocal cords drawn close so as to vibrate audibly (as in uttering vowels and consonant sounds as \v\ or \z\); also, to pronounce (a speech sound, such as a consonant) with voiceWEAK: bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language (a weak syllable); having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound ('d in he'd is the weak form of would)WIDE: in diction, lax: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
Disagreement, Disapproval, Objection
ANTI: opposed to; against; also one that is opposedATHWART: in opposition to: in opposition to the right or expected courseBEMOAN: to express displeasure, disapproval, or regretBEMOANED: to express displeasure, disapproval, or regretBOOED: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo; also, to express disapproval of by booingBOOING: to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo; also, to express disapproval of by booingBOOS: plural of boo, a shout of disapproval or contempt; also, to deride especially by uttering a prolonged boo; also, to express disapproval of by booingCATCALL: a loud or raucous cry made especially to express disapproval (as at a sports event); also, a loud, sexually suggestive call or comment directed at someone publicly (as on the street)CHALLENGE: a calling to account or into question: protest; to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded: to impugn (new data that challenges old assumptions); to confront or defy boldly: to dare (he challenged his critics to prove his guilt); to make or present a challengeCONFLICT: to be different, opposed, or contradictory: to fail to be in agreement or accord (His statement conflicts with the facts.)DARING: to confront boldly: to defy (I dare you)DIVIDED: disagreeing with each other: disunitedEXCEPT: to take exception: to objectFUSS: objection, protest (She accepted the new assignment without any fuss.)HOOT: to express or utter with hoots (hooted their disapproval)HOOTED: to express or utter with hoots (hooted their disapproval)HOOTING: to express or utter with hoots (hooted their disapproval)INDICTMENT: an expression of strong disapprovalKICK: to show opposition: resist, rebel; to protest strenuously or urgentlyKICKED: to show opposition: resist, rebel; to protest strenuously or urgentlyKICKING: to show opposition: resist, rebel; to protest strenuously or urgentlyOBJECT: to put forth in opposition or as an objection (objected that the statement was misleading); to oppose something firmly and usually with words or argumentsOBJECTED: to put forth in opposition or as an objection (objected that the statement was misleading); to oppose something firmly and usually with words or argumentsOUTCRY: a vehement protestPOOF: used to express disdain or dismissal or to suggest instantaneous occurrencePOOH: used to express contempt or disapprovalQUIDDITY: a trifling point: a quibbleRAZZ: [short for raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart]: a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration; broadly: an expression of disapproval or contempt; also, to heckle, to deride (the fans razzed the visiting players)RAZZING: [short for raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart]: a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration; broadly: an expression of disapproval or contempt; also, to heckle, to deride (the fans razzed the visiting players)TUTTED: to tut-tut: to express disapproval or disbelief by or as if by uttering tutTUTTING: to tut-tut: to express disapproval or disbelief by or as if by uttering tutWEDGE: something (such as a policy) causing a breach or separation
Doubt and Uncertainty
DOUBT: to call into question the truth of: to be uncertain or in doubt about (he doubts everyone’s word)DOUBTED: to call into question the truth of: to be uncertain or in doubt about (he doubts everyone’s word)DUNNO: informal: —used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase (I) don't know when it is spoken quicklyHEDGE: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement; also, to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat (hedged on the issue)HEDGED: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement; also, to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat (hedged on the issue)HEDGING: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement; also, to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat (hedged on the issue)HEMMED: to equivocateHEMMING: to equivocate
HUMPH: interjection: used to express doubt or contempt; also, to utter a humph, or to utter (something, such as a remark) in a tone suggestive of a humphOPPUGN: to call into questionOPPUGNING: to call into question
Gaffes, Goofs, and Blunders
AWKWARD: lacking ease or grace (as of expression) (an awkward greeting)AWKWARDLY: lacking ease or grace (as of or expression) (an awkward greeting)BRICK: gaffe, blunder —used especially in the phrase drop a brick
BULL: a grotesque blunder in languageBUMBLE: to blunder; specifically: to speak ineptly in a stuttering and faltering mannerBUMBLED: to blunder; specifically: to speak ineptly in a stuttering and faltering mannerCATCH: to check (oneself) suddenly or momentarily (he started to say the wrong thing but quickly caught himself)GAFFE: a social or diplomatic blunder
NERVE: a sore or sensitive point (her remark touched a nerve)TRIP: to stumble in articulation when speaking (trip over a word)
Greetings and Goodbyes
AHOY: interjection used in hailing [a “hoy” is a small usually sloop-rigged coasting ship]ALOHA: used as a greeting or farewellCIAO: used conventionally as an utterance at meeting or partingGOODNIGHT: M-W has an open compound good night, an interjection used to express good wishes in the evening especially when someone is leaving or going to sleepHAIL: a calling to attract attention, or to salute or greet; to greet or summon by callingHAILED: a calling to attract attention, or to salute or greet; to greet or summon by callingHAILING: a calling to attract attention, or to salute or greet; to greet or summon by callingHALLO*: M-W: or halloo, both variants of hollo, to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerHALLOO*: M-W: or hallo, both variants of hollo, to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerHELLO: an expression or gesture of greeting —used interjectionally in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surpriseHIYA: alteration of how are you, used as an informal greetingHOLLA*: M-W does not have an entry for holla; Collins says variant of hollo, which M-W defines as to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerHOWDY: an interjection used to express greeting, alteration of how do yeHULLO*: M-W’s only def.: chiefly British spelling of hello, an expression or gesture of greeting —used interjectionally in greeting or in answering the telephonePAGE: to summon by repeatedly calling out the name of; also, an act or instance of pagingPAGED: to summon by repeatedly calling out the name of; also, an act or instance of pagingPAGING: to summon by repeatedly calling out the name of; also, an act or instance of pagingPEACE: —used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm, or as a greeting or farewell
Impolite, Impertinent, Invective
ACID: incisive, biting, or sarcastic; sharply clear, discerning, or pointedACIDLY: incisive, biting, or sarcastic; sharply clear, discerning, or pointedAFFRONT: to insult especially to the face by behavior or language; to cause offense to; also, a deliberate offense: an insultATTACK: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsATTACKED: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsATTACKING: to assail with unfriendly or bitter words; also, a belligerent or antagonistic action; also, the act of attacking with unfriendly wordsBACKBIT: to say mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present)BACKBITE: to say mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present)BACKTALK: M-W has this as an open compound: back talk: impudent, insolent, or argumentative repliesBARK: to speak in a curt loud and usually angry tone: to snapBELITTLE: to speak slightingly of: disparageBELITTLEMENT: to speak slightingly of: disparageBELITTLING: to speak slightingly of: disparageBLATANT: noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner: clamorous; completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner: brazenBLATANTLY: noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner: clamorous; completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner: brazenBLEW: to talk in an empty or boastful wayBLOW: to talk in an empty or boastful wayBLOWING: to talk in an empty or boastful wayBLOWN: to talk in an empty or boastful wayBRAG: a pompous or boastful statement; arrogant talk or manner; also, to talk boastfully, to assert boastfullyBRAG: to talk boastfully, to assert boastfullyBRAGGING: to talk boastfully, to assert boastfullyBRAGGY: to talk boastfully, to assert boastfullyBULLY: to use language or behavior that is cruel, insulting, threatening, or aggressiveCATCALL: a loud or raucous cry made especially to express disapproval (as at a sports event); also, a loud, sexually suggestive call or comment directed at someone publicly (as on the street)CHEEK: insolent boldness and self-assuranceCHEEKY: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing wayCOLORFUL: of speech: rude, offensiveCOLORFULLY: of speech: rude, offensiveDOGPILE: a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. directed at someone or something by many people; also, of a group of people: to direct a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. at (someone or something)DOGPILED: a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. directed at someone or something by many people; also, of a group of people: to direct a barrage of criticism, insults, etc. at (someone or something)EPITHET: a disparaging or abusive word or phraseFATLY: in a smug manner: complacently (snickered fatly)FLIP: flippant, impertinentFLIPPANT: lacking proper respect or seriousnessFLOUT: to jeerGLOVE: gloves plural: the restraints of civility (the gloves came off for the interview)GUFF: verbal abuseHECKLE: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes: to badgerHECKLED: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes: to badgerHUFF: to utter with indignation or scornHUFFED: to utter with indignation or scornINFLAME: to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling, especially: to make angry; to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitementINIMICAL: being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence; having the disposition of an enemy: hostile; reflecting or indicating hostility: unfriendlyINIMICALLY: being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence; having the disposition of an enemy: hostile; reflecting or indicating hostility: unfriendlyINVECTIVE: insulting or abusive languageKEEN: affecting one as if by cutting (e.g., keen sarcasm)LICK: a critical thrust: a dig, a barbLIPPY: given to back talkLOUDMOUTH: a loudmouthed person, one given to loud offensive talkMEOW: a spiteful or malicious remarkMEOWED: a spiteful or malicious remarkMEOWING: a spiteful or malicious remarkMORDANT: biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style: incisive (a mordant wit)MOUTH: saucy or disrespectful language: impudence (don't take any mouth from him); also, to talk insolently or impudently —usually used with offMOUTHED: saucy or disrespectful language: impudence (don't take any mouth from him); also, to talk insolently or impudently —usually used with offMUCK: defamatory remarks or writingsNETTLE: to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or angerNETTLED: to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or angerPOKE: to meddle; to interpose or interject in a meddlesome manner (pokes his nose into other people's business)PURR: to speak in a malicious catty mannerPURRING: to speak in a malicious catty mannerPUTDOWN: M-W hyphenates put-down, an act or instance of putting down, especially: a humiliating remark; Collins says “also putdown”ROUGH: crude in style or expression; indelicate; marked by a lack of refinement or grace: uncouth (a rough character); informal + old-fashioned: rowdy (a gang of roughs)
SASS: informal: impudent speech: back talk; bold rudeness or impertinence especially when considered playful, appealing, or courageous; also, to talk impudently or disrespectfully toSASSES: informal: impudent speech: back talk; bold rudeness or impertinence especially when considered playful, appealing, or courageous; also, to talk impudently or disrespectfully toSASSY: having or showing a rude lack of respect: impudentVAUNT: a vainglorious display of what one is or has or has done; a bragging assertive statement; also, to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments: to brag; to call attention to pridefully and often boastfullyVAUNTED: a vainglorious display of what one is or has or has done; a bragging assertive statement; also, to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments: to brag; to call attention to pridefully and often boastfullyVITRIOL: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticismVITRIOLIC: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticismWIPE: a jeer, a gibeWOOF: to express oneself in a usually stylized boastful or aggressive manner WOOFED: to express oneself in a usually stylized boastful or aggressive manner WOOFING: to express oneself in a usually stylized boastful or aggressive manner
Incoherent, Unintelligible, Indirect
ABRACADABRA: unintelligible languageBABBLE: to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds; to make sounds as though babbling; to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious mannerBABBLING: to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds; to make sounds as though babbling; to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious mannerBABEL: a confusion of sounds or voices; named for Babel, a city in Shinar where the building of a tower is held in Genesis to have been halted by the confusion of tongues
BECLOUD: to prevent clear perception or realization of: to muddle (prejudices that becloud his judgment)BECLOUDED: to prevent clear perception or realization of: to muddle (prejudices that becloud his judgment)CLAPTRAP: pretentious nonsense: trashCLOUD: to make unclear or confused (cloud the issue)CLOUDED: to make unclear or confused (cloud the issue)ENIGMA: an obscure speech or writingFOGGED: to make obscure or confusing (accusations which fogged the real issues)FOGGING: to make obscure or confusing (accusations which fogged the real issues)GABBLE: to talk fast or foolishly: jabber; to utter inarticulate or animal sounds; to say with incoherent rapidity: babbleGABBLING: to talk fast or foolishly: jabber; to utter inarticulate or animal sounds; to say with incoherent rapidity: babbleINTIMATE: to communicate delicately and indirectly: to hintINTIMATING: to communicate delicately and indirectly: to hintINTIMATION: to communicate delicately and indirectly: to hintLINGO: strange or incomprehensible language or speech, such as a foreign languageMALAPROP: an example of malapropism (the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase, especially: the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context or using or marked by the use of malapropisms); from Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals. Mrs. Malaprop frequently misspeaks (to comic effect) by using words which do not have the meaning that she intends but which sound similar to words that do.MANGLE: to make incoherent especially through ineptitudeMANGLED: to make incoherent especially through ineptitudeRAVING: (n) irrational, incoherent, wild, or extravagant utterance or declamation —usually used in plural; (adj) talking wildly or irrationally (a raving lunatic); to talk irrationally in or as if in delirium; to speak out wildly; to utter in madness or frenzyTANGENT: an abrupt change of course: digression (the speaker went off on a tangent); also, diverging from an original purpose or course: irrelevant (tangent remarks)TANGO: interaction marked by a lack of straightforwardnessTHICK: imperfectly articulated: indistinct (thick speech); producing inarticulate speech (a thick tongue)THICKEN: to make inarticulate: to blur (fatigue thickened his speech)
Interjections, Exclamations, Intensives general
AARGH: M-W: variant of argh, used typically to express frustration, disappointment, anguish, or painACHOO: or less commonly ahchoo, used to represent the sound of a sneezeAHCHOO*: or more commonly achoo, used to represent the sound of a sneezeAHEM: used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassmentAHOY: interjection used in hailing [a “hoy” is a small usually sloop-rigged coasting ship]ALACK: used to express sorrow or regretBAZOO*: a sound of disapproval: a raspberryBINGO: used to announce an unexpected event or instantaneous result, or used to express endorsement of a correct assertionBLAM: a sudden loud noise: usually used as an interjectionBLECH: used to express disgustBOOP: not in M-W (unabridged), but NOAD includes it as follows: an exclamation, said when a person gently pokes someone, especially on the nose, as an affectionate gesture: “boop!”BOOS: plural of boo, an interjection, used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frightenBOSH: foolish talk or activity: nonsense —often used interjectionallyBRAVA: bravo: used interjectionally in applauding a womanBRAVO: a shout of approval —often used interjectionally in applauding a performanceBULLY: excellent —often used in interjectional expressions (bully for you)CHECK: interjection, used to express assent or agreementCRACKY*: interjection: a mild oath —used in the phrase “by cracky”DEVIL: —usually used with the —often used as an interjection, an intensive, or a generalized term of abuse (What the devil is this? the devil you say!)EVER: used as an intensive (looks ever so angry, am I ever happy to see you)FIDDLE: fiddlesticks —used as an interjection (fiddlesticks: nonsense —used as an interjection)FUDGE: foolish nonsense —often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief (oh, fudge!)GEEZ: less common spelling of jeez; used as a mild oath or introductory expletive (as to express surprise); euphemism for JesusGOODNIGHT: M-W has an open compound good night, an interjection used to express good wishes in the evening especially when someone is leaving or going to sleepGOTTA: pronunciation spelling, —used for "got to" in informal speech and in representations of such speech (You've gotta be [=you must be] kidding me.)HAIL: an interjection, used to express acclamationHAPPY: —used as part of a greeting or wish for someone on a special occasion or holiday (happy birthday, happy holidays)HELLO: an expression or gesture —used interjectionally to express surprise HOORAH: M-W: less common variant of hurrah: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHOORAY: M-W: less common variant of hurrah: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHULLO*: M-W’s only def.: chiefly British spelling of hello, an expression or gesture —used interjectionally to express surpriseHUMPH: interjection: used to express doubt or contempt; also, to utter a humph, or to utter (something, such as a remark) in a tone suggestive of a humphHURRAH: or less commonly hooray: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHURRAY: or less commonly hooray: a cheer, a shout of applause or encouragementHUZZAH: an expression or shout of acclaim —often used interjectionally to express joy or approbationinformal, an exclamation of joy, approval, etc.KABOOM: the sound of an explosion or crash (heard a loud kaboom) —often used interjectionally (…the minute you build an emergency fund—kaboom! Along comes an "emergency.")KNOW: —sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech (you know)LIKE: preposition: used to form intensive or ironic phrases (fought like hell; like fun he did; laughed like anything); (adv.) used interjectionally in informal speech often to emphasize a word or phrase (as in "he was, like, gorgeous") or for an apologetic, vague, or unassertive effect (as in "i need to, like, borrow some money") also, used interjectionally in informal speech with expressions of measurement (it was, like, five feet long); (conj.) used interjectionally in informal speech often with the verb be to introduce a quotation, paraphrase, or thought expressed by or imputed to the subject of the verb, or with it's to report a generally held opinion (so I'm like, "Give me a break") (it's like, "Who cares what he thinks?")LITTLE: —used as an intensive (why, you little devil!)LORDY: M-W has only the capitalized Lordy, interjection, —used to express surprise or strength of feelingOUCH: interjection, used especially to express sudden painOVER: —used on a two-way radio circuit to indicate that a message is complete and a reply is expectedPEACE: —used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm, or as a greeting or farewellPFFT: Not in M-W; Collins has: Interjection, informal, used to suggest a sudden ending or fizzling outPHEW: interjection, used to express relief or fatigue, or used to express disgust at or as if at an unpleasant odorPHOOEY: interjection, used to express repudiation or disgustQUOTE: a quotation mark —often used [said] orally to indicate the beginning of a direct quotationTARNATION: damnation —often used as an interjection or intensive —often used with in (what in tarnation!); alteration of darnation, euphemism for damnationTOUCHE: M-W has touché, interjection —used to acknowledge a hit in fencing or the success or appropriateness of an argument, an accusation, or a witty pointUNCLE: —used as a cry of surrender (was forced to cry/say uncle [=was forced to surrender])UNQUOTE: used [said] orally to indicate the end of a direct quotation—used interjectionally chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or reliefVOILA: M-W has voilà or voila —used to call attention, to express satisfaction or approval, or to suggest an appearance as if by magicWAHOO: chiefly Western US: —used to express exuberance or enthusiasm or to attract attentionWAIT: pause, stop —used to preface an interjected question, correction, etc. (wait, what?); to remain temporarily neglected or unrealized (the chores can wait)WHAT: —used as an exclamation expressing surprise or excitement and frequently introducing a question (What, no breakfast?); how remarkable or striking for good or bad qualities —used especially in exclamatory utterances and dependent clauses (What mountains!)WHEE: interjection —used to express delight or exuberanceWHEW: a whistling sound or a sound like a half-formed whistle uttered as an exclamation (gave a long whew when he realized the size of the job)WHOA: cease or slow a course of action or a line of thought: pause to consider or reconsider —often used to express a strong reaction (such as alarm or astonishment)WHOOP: a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation —often used interjectionally; also, to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment: to shout; also, to utter or express with a whoop; to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoopWHOOPING: a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation —often used interjectionally; also, to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment: to shout; also, to utter or express with a whoop; to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoopWOOHOO: M-W hyphenates woo-hoo, interjection,—used to express exuberant delight or approval; Collins has woohoo, in British English, exclamation,WOOT: interjection, —used to express joy, approval, or excited enthusiasmWORD: slang —used interjectionally to express agreement ("The show was amazing!" "Word.")YAHOO: interjection: yippee —used to express exuberant delight or triumphYECCH: variant of yech, interjection, —used to express rejection or disgustYECH: variants or yecch, interjection, —used to express rejection or disgustYEEHAW: or less commonly yee-haw: interjection,—used (as by cowboys or in imitation of cowboys) to express exuberant delight or excitementYIPE: a noise made by or as if by yiping, to cry out sharply especially from surprise or pain, —used interjectionally in both singular and pluralYIPPEE: interjection —used to express exuberant delight or triumphYOOHOO: M-W hyphenates yoo-hoo, interjection —used to attract attention or as a call to persons; Collins also hyphenates; NOAD hyphenates
Jargon, etc.
ARGOT: the language used by a particular type or group of people: an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular groupCANT: jargon, specifically, the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group; also, to speak in cant or jargonCANTING*: jargon, specifically, the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group; also, to speak in cant or jargonJIVE: the jargon of hipsters; also, a special jargon of difficult or slang termsLANGUAGE: the vocabulary and phraseology belonging to a specific art, subject, or a department of knowledge (the language of diplomacy, medical/legal language)LINGO: the special vocabulary of a particular field of interest; language characteristic of an individual
Jokes, Riddles, Humor not teasing, not play
CONUNDRUM: a riddle whose answer is or involves a punCRACK: to tell especially suddenly or strikingly (crack a joke); also, a sharp witty remark: quipFOOL: to speak in jest: to joke (I was only fooling)FOOLED: to speak in jest: to joke (I was only fooling)FOOLING: to speak in jest: to joke (I was only fooling)FOOLS: to speak in jest: to joke (I was only fooling)GAGGED: to provide or write quips or pranks for (gag a show); to make quipsGAGGING: to provide or write quips or pranks for (gag a show); to make quipsJOCULAR: said or done as a joke: characterized by jesting: playful; also, given to jesting: habitually jolly or jocundJOLLY: to engage in good-natured banter; to put or try to put in good humor especially to gain an endJOLLYING: to engage in good-natured banter; to put or try to put in good humor especially to gain an endLAUGH: a cause for derision or merriment: a jokeMALAPROP: an example of malapropism (the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase, especially: the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context or using or marked by the use of malapropisms); from Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals. Mrs. Malaprop frequently misspeaks (to comic effect) by using words which do not have the meaning that she intends but which sound similar to words that do.NIFTILY: informal (noun) very interesting or clever: ingenious; something that is nifty, especially: a clever or neatly turned phrase or jokeNIFTY: informal (noun) very interesting or clever: ingenious; something that is nifty, especially: a clever or neatly turned phrase or jokePLAY: to jest (he only said it in play); to make use of double meaning or of the similarity of sound of two words for stylistic or humorous effect; the act or an instance of playing on words or speech soundsPUNNED: to make a pun, the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in soundPUNNING: to make a pun, the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in soundPUNNY: constituting or involving a pun, he usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in soundRICH: entertaining; also: laughable (Oh, that's rich!)WHEEZE: an often repeated and widely known joke used especially by entertainers; also, a trite saying or proverb
YAKS: less common variant of yuk: slang: joke, gag
Laughter, etc.
CACKLE: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp mannerCACKLED: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp mannerCACKLING: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp mannerGIGGLE: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breathGIGGLED: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breathGIGGLING: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breathGIGGLY: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breathGRIN: a facial expression produced by grinning especially in pleasure or amusement; also, to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter; to smileGRINNING: a facial expression produced by grinning especially in pleasure or amusement; also, to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter; to smileGRINNINGLY: a facial expression produced by grinning especially in pleasure or amusement; also, to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter; to smileGUFFAW: a loud or boisterous burst of laughterGUFFAWING: a loud or boisterous burst of laughterHEEHAW: M-W hyphenates hee-haw, a loud rude laugh or guffawHEEHAWED: M-W hyphenates hee-haw, a loud rude laugh or guffawHILARITY: boisterous merriment or laughterHOOT: to shout or laugh usually derisivelyHOOTED: to shout or laugh usually derisivelyHOOTING: to shout or laugh usually derisivelyLAUGH: the act of laughing; also, to show emotion (such as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound; to produce the sound or appearance of laughter; to utter with a laugh; laughs plural: diversion, sportLAUGHED: the act of laughing; also, to show emotion (such as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound; to produce the sound or appearance of laughter; to utter with a laugh; laughs plural: diversion, sportLAUGHING: the act of laughing; also, to show emotion (such as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound; to produce the sound or appearance of laughter; to utter with a laugh; laughs plural: diversion, sportROAR: to laugh loudlyROARING: to laugh loudly
YAKS: less common variant of yuk: slang: laugh (did it just for yuks)
Lies and Lying
COLOR: to gloss, to excuse (color a lie); to misrepresent, distort (a highly colored version of the facts)COLOUR*: chiefly British spelling of color; to gloss, to excuse (color a lie); to misrepresent, distort (a highly colored version of the facts)FIBBED: told a lieHAWED: to equivocate; to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive; to avoid committing oneself in what one saysJIVE: glib, deceptive, or foolish talk; slang: phony, intended to deceive or misleadKIDDED: to deceive (someone) as a joke: to say untrue things to (someone) in a playful or joking way; to fail to admit the truth to (someone) (They're kidding themselves if they think they can win.)KIDDING: to deceive (someone) as a joke: to say untrue things to (someone) in a playful or joking way; to fail to admit the truth to (someone) (They're kidding themselves if they think they can win.)LIAR: a person who tells liesLIED: to lie: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impressionLYING: to lie: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impressionMEALY: mealymouthed: not plain and straightforward: deviousTALE: an intentionally untrue report: a falsehoodTANGO: interaction marked by a lack of straightforwardness
Meaning and Expression
ALLUDE: to make indirect referenceALLUDED: to make indirect referenceAMPLIFY: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis; to expand one's remarks or ideasBALD: lacking adornment or amplification (a bald assertion); undisguised, palpable (bald arrogance)BALDLY: lacking adornment or amplification (a bald assertion); undisguised, palpable (bald arrogance)BLUNT: abrupt in speech or manner (She tends to be blunt; a blunt refusal)CLOTHE: to express or enhance by suitably significant language: to couch (treaties clothed in stately phraseology)CONNOTATION: something suggested by a word or thing: implication; the suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or describesCONNOTE: to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning; to imply as a logical connotationCONNOTED: to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning; to imply as a logical connotationCONNOTING: to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning; to imply as a logical connotationCONTENT: substance, gist; meaning, significanceCONTEXT: the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning; also, the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs: environment, settingCONTOUR: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speechCONVEY: to impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or appearance (struggling to convey his feelings)CONVEYED: to impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or appearance (struggling to convey his feelings)COUCH: to phrase or express in a specified manner (The comments were couched in strong terms.)COUCHED: to phrase or express in a specified manner (The comments were couched in strong terms.)COUCHING: to phrase or express in a specified manner (The comments were couched in strong terms.)DENOTE: to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of: to meanEXPLICIT: fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity: leaving no question as to meaning or intent; unambiguous in expression
FORCING: to wrench, strain, or use (language) with marked unnaturalness and lack of easeGARBLING: to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning (garble a story)GOING: present participle of to go, to be in phrasing or expression: to read (as the story goes)GONE: past participle of to go, to be in phrasing or expression: to read (as the story goes)HINT: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly (had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited); also, to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly (a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint)HINTING: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly (had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited); also, to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly (a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint)IMPLICIT: capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed: implied; present but not consciously held or recognizedIMPLICITLY: capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed: implied; present but not consciously held or recognizedIMPLY: to express indirectly; to involve or indicate by inference, association, or necessary consequence rather than by direct statementINDICATING: to state or express briefly (she indicated a desire to cooperate)INDICATION: the action of indicating, to state or express briefly (she indicated a desire to cooperate)INEFFABLE: incapable of being expressed in words: indescribable; unspeakable; not to be uttered: tabooINTENTION: import, significanceINTIMATE: to communicate delicately and indirectly: hint; also, to make known especially publicly or formally: announceINTIMATING: to communicate delicately and indirectly: hint; also, to make known especially publicly or formally: announceINTIMATION: an indirect, usually subtle suggestion, indication, or hintIRONIC: relating to, containing, or constituting irony; given to ironyIRONY: the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning; an ironic expression or utteranceLANGUAGE: form or manner of verbal expression, specifically: style (the beauty of Shakespeare's language)LOCUTION: a particular form of expression or a peculiarity of phrasing, especially: a word or expression characteristic of a region, group, or cultural level; style of discourse: phraseology, a manner of organizing words and phrases into longer elements; style; the choice of wordsMEALY: mealymouthed: not plain and straightforward: deviousMEAN: to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate: to signifyMEANING: the thing one intends to convey especially by language: purport; the thing that is conveyed especially by language: import; also, to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate: to signifyMEANT: to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate: to signifyNUBBIN: a nub: the gist or pointPAINT: to produce or evoke [in speech] as if by painting (paints glowing pictures of the landscape); to depict as having specified or implied characteristics (paints them as innocent of the crime)PAINTING: to produce or evoke [in speech] as if by painting (paints glowing pictures of the landscape); to depict as having specified or implied characteristics (paints them as innocent of the crime)PITH: substantial quality (as of meaning)PITHY: having substance and point: tersely cogentPOINT: the most important essential in a discussion or matter (missed the whole point of the joke)PURPORT: meaning conveyed, professed, or implied; also, to have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming (something implied or inferred)RING: a sound or character expressive of some particular quality (The story had a familiar ring.); also, to have a sound or character expressive of some quality (a story that rings true/false; The apology rang hollow.)ROUND: direct in utterance: outspoken (a round denunciation)RUNNING: to be in a certain form or expression (the letter runs as follows)TALK: a way of speaking: language; also, communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk (bird talk); to use (a language) for conversing or communicating: to speak TALKED: a way of speaking: language; also, communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk (bird talk); to use (a language) for conversing or communicating: to speak TOUCH: to be tangent to; to speak or tell of especially in passing (barely touched the incident in the speech); to relate to: to concern; to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner —used with on or upon (touched upon many points); to have a bearing : relate —used with on or uponTOUCHED: to be tangent to; to speak or tell of especially in passing (barely touched the incident in the speech); to relate to: to concern; to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner —used with on or upon (touched upon many points); to have a bearing : relate —used with on or uponUNIRONIC: not ironic; especially: not using or given to irony: sincereVAGUE: not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms (a vague promise)VAGUELY: in a vague way: not clearly: not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms (a vague promise)VOCAL: given to expressing oneself freely or insistently: outspoken (a highly vocal critic); expressive; expressed in wordsVOICE: an instrument or medium of expression (the party became the voice of the workers)VULGAR: understood in or having the ordinary senseVULGARLY: understood in or having the ordinary senseWENT: past tense of to go, to be in phrasing or expression: to read (as the story goes)WHAT: the thing or things that; that which: the one or ones that; —sometimes used in reference to a clause or phrase that is yet to come or is not yet complete; whatever; in what respect: how; —used to introduce prepositional phrases in parallel construction or a prepositional phrase that expresses cause and usually has more than one object —used principally before phrases beginning with with
Monotonous, Repetitive, Superficial
BANAL: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty: triteBANALITY: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty: triteBANALLY: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty: triteBILGE: stale or worthless remarks or ideas
CLICHE: cliché: or less commonly cliche: a trite phrase or expression; also: the idea expressed by itCLICHED: clichéd: marked by or abounding in clichés; hackneyed (a clichéd phrase) ; M-W offers no unaccented variation; Collins says “in BRIT, also use cliched”CORNILY: mawkishly old-fashioned: tiresomely simple and sentimentalCORNY: mawkishly old-fashioned: tiresomely simple and sentimentalCUCKOO: Not in M-W, but in Collins: to repeat monotonouslyCUCKOOED: Not in M-W, but in Collins: to repeat monotonouslyDING: to speak with tiresome reiteration; to dwell on with tiresome repetitionDINGED: to speak with tiresome reiteration; to dwell on with tiresome repetitionDINGING: to speak with tiresome reiteration; to dwell on with tiresome repetitionGLIB: showing little forethought or preparation: offhand; marked by ease and informality: nonchalant; lacking depth and substance: superficial; marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitfulGLIBLY: showing little forethought or preparation: offhand; marked by ease and informality: nonchalant; lacking depth and substance: superficial; marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitfulHARP: to dwell on or recur to a subject tiresomely or monotonously —usually used with onHARPING: to dwell on or recur to a subject tiresomely or monotonously —usually used with onHOAR: hoary, no longer humorous, interesting, or meaningful due to repetitionHOARY: no longer humorous, interesting, or meaningful due to repetitionMEALY: mealymouthed: not plain and straightforward: deviousMONOLOG: more commonly monologue: a long speech monopolizing conversationMOUTH: to repeat without comprehension or sincerity (mouthing platitudes)MOUTHED: to repeat without comprehension or sincerity (mouthing platitudes)PARROT: to repeat by rotePITCH: to utter glibly and insincerelyPITCHED: to utter glibly and insincerelyPITCHING: to utter glibly and insincerelyRANG: to repeat often, loudly, or earnestly; to sound repetitiously (their praise rang in his ears)RING: to repeat often, loudly, or earnestly; to sound repetitiously (their praise rang in his ears)RINGING: to repeat often, loudly, or earnestly; to sound repetitiously (their praise rang in his ears)RUNG: to repeat often, loudly, or earnestly; to sound repetitiously (their praise rang in his ears)
Oaths, Obscenities, Imprecations
BITCH*: informal: a complaintBLAZE: blazes plural: hell (go to blazes)CONFOUND: to damn, to condemn to a punishment or fate, especially: to condemn to hellCONFOUNDED: to damn, to condemn to a punishment or fate, especially: to condemn to hellDAMMIT: alteration of and euphemism for damn itDAMN: the utterance of the word damn as a curse; also; (adjective or adverb): damned (a damn nuisance); also, to swear at: to curse ; to curse, to swearDAMNING: the utterance of the word damn as a curse; also; (adjective or adverb): damned (a damn nuisance); also, to swear at: to curse ; to curse, to swearDANG: euphemism for damnDARN: euphemism for damn
DEVIL: —usually used with the —often used as an interjection, an intensive, or a generalized term of abuse (What the devil is this? the devil you say!)DOGGONE: verb, adv., adj., or noun: (to) damn; euphemism for God damnDRAT: synonym of damn; used as a mild oath. Probably euphemistic alteration of God rotEGAD: used as a mild oathEXPLETIVE: an exclamatory word or phrase, especially: one that is obscene or profaneFILTH: something (such as speech, writing, images, etc.) that is indecent, obscene, or offensive (magazines full of filth)FILTHILY: in a filthy manner: obscene: containing or being language regarded as taboo in polite usage; indecentFILTHY: obscene: containing or being language regarded as taboo in polite usage; indecentFOUL: obscene, abusive (foul language)FOULLY: obscene, abusive (foul language)FUDGE: foolish nonsense —often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief (oh, fudge!)GEEZ: less common spelling of jeez; used as a mild oath or introductory expletive (as to express surprise); euphemism for JesusGOLLY: used as a mild oath or to express surprise; euphemism for GodGOLLY: used as a mild oath or to express surprise; euphemism for GodHANGED: to suspend by the neck until dead —often hanged in the past tense —often used as a mild oath (I'll be hanged)HECK: euphemism for hellHELL: a generalized term of abuse (the hell with it)INDECENCY: the quality or state of being indecent; something (such as a word or action) that is indecentINDECENT: not decent: such as grossly improper or offensive; unseemly, inappropriateJINGO: used as a mild oath usually in the phrase by jingo – a euphemismLANGUAGE: profanity (watch your language around the children)LEWD: obscene, vulgar (lewd remarks)OATH: an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name; broadly: A swear word (He uttered an oath and stormed away.)OMIGOD: Not in M-W; Collins has in British English, informal, an exclamation of surprise, pleasure, dismay, etc. (from Oh, my God)RAUNCH: vulgarity, lewdnessRAUNCHY: obscene, smutty (raunchy jokes)RAWLY: raw: vulgar, coarse (raw language)RIBALD: marked by coarseness or lewdness: crude, offensive (ribald language, ribald humor); also, characterized by or using coarse, indecent humor (a ribald memoir/song)TARNATION: damnation —often used as an interjection or intensive —often used with in (what in tarnation!); alteration of darnation, euphemism for damnationVULGAR: offensive in language earthy; lewdly or profanely indecentVULGARLY: offensive in language earthy; lewdly or profanely indecent
Persuasion and Debate not argument
ADDUCE: to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysisADDUCED: to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysisAIRTIGHT: permitting no opportunity for an opponent to scoreANALOGIZING: a comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspectANGLE: to use artful means to attain an objectiveANGLED: to use artful means to attain an objectiveANGLING: to use artful means to attain an objectiveARGUABLY: as may be argued or shown by argumentARGUING: to give reasons for or against something: reason; to persuade by giving reasons: induce; to give evidence of: indicate; to consider the pros and cons of: discussARTFUL: adroit in attaining an end usually by insinuating or indirect means: wilyARTFULLY: adroit in attaining an end usually by insinuating or indirect means: wilyAXIOM: a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference: postulateAXIOMATIC: a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference: postulateBRING: to persuade, induce (try to bring them to his way of thinking); to adduce; to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis (bring an argument)BRINGING: to persuade, induce (try to bring them to his way of thinking); to adduce; to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis (bring an argument)BROUGHT: to persuade, induce (try to bring them to his way of thinking); to adduce; to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis (bring an argument)CARRY: to influence by mental or emotional appeal: swayCARRYING: to influence by mental or emotional appeal: swayCOGENCY: appealing forcibly to the mind or reason: convincing (cogent evidence); pertinent, relevant (a cogent analysis); having power to compel or constrain (cogent forces)COGENT: appealing forcibly to the mind or reason: convincing (cogent evidence); pertinent, relevant (a cogent analysis); having power to compel or constrain (cogent forces)COIN: something having two different and usually opposing sides —usually used in the phrase the other side of the coinCOMPEL: to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly; to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressureCONFOUND: to refute, to prove wrong by argument or evidence: show to be false or erroneous (sought to confound his arguments)CONFOUNDED: to refute, to prove wrong by argument or evidence: show to be false or erroneous (sought to confound his arguments)CONNECTIVE: a logical term (such as or, if-then, and, not) or a symbol for it that relates propositions in such a way that the truth or falsity of the resulting statement is determined by the truth or falsity of the componentsCONNED: con: to manipulate (conned his way into the job); to persuade, cajole (conned her into volunteering)CONNING: con: to manipulate (conned his way into the job); to persuade, cajole (conned her into volunteering)CONTEND: to strive in debate: argueCONTENDED: to strive in debate: argueCONTENTION: a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argumentCONVINCE: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action: to persuadeCONVINCED: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action: to persuadeCONVINCING: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action: to persuadeCOUNT: a specific point under consideration: issue (disagreeing on this count)DANGLE: to keep hanging uncertainly; to hold out as an inducementDANGLED: to keep hanging uncertainly; to hold out as an inducementDANGLING: to keep hanging uncertainly; to hold out as an inducementDEBATABLY: debatable: open to debate, capable of being debated; open to dispute: questionable (the debatable wisdom of his advice)DEBATE: a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides; to participate in a debate (the six primary candidates who debated last night); to engage (an opponent) in debateDEBATED: a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides; to participate in a debate (the six primary candidates who debated last night); to engage (an opponent) in debateDEFEND: to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism (defend a theory) (couldn't defend their actions)DEFENDED: to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism (defend a theory) (couldn't defend their actions)DEFENDING: to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism (defend a theory) (couldn't defend their actions)DILEMMA: an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponentENGAGE: to induce to participate (engaged the shy boy in conversation)ENGAGED: to induce to participate (engaged the shy boy in conversation)ENGAGING: to induce to participate (engaged the shy boy in conversation)FALLACY: an often plausible argument using false or invalid inferenceFENCE: an immaterial barrier or boundary line (on the other side of the fence in the argument); also, to parry arguments by shifting groundFENCED: to parry arguments by shifting groundFENCING: to parry arguments by shifting groundGROUND: a basis for belief, action, or argument; a fundamental logical condition; a basic metaphysical; often used in pluralHENCE: because of a preceding fact or premise: thereforeHOLE: a serious discrepancy: flaw, weakness (as in a debate or position)HONEY: to speak ingratiatingly to: to flatter; to use blandishments or cajolery [as a means of persuasion]HORN: one of the equally disadvantageous alternatives presented by a dilemmaIDOL: a false conception: fallacyINDUCE: to move by persuasion or influence; to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation; to causeINDUCED: to move by persuasion or influence; to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation; to causeINVALID: logically inconsequentINVALIDLY: logically inconsequentINVEIGLE: to win over by wiles: entice; to acquire by ingenuity or flattery: wangle
INVEIGLED: to win over by wiles: entice; to acquire by ingenuity or flattery: wangleINVEIGLING: to win over by wiles: entice; to acquire by ingenuity or flattery: wangleINVITATION: an incentive or inducementINVITE: to offer an incentive or inducement to: to enticeINVITED: to offer an incentive or inducement to: to enticeINVITING: to offer an incentive or inducement to: to enticeLEFT: left field: a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion) (they were really out in left field with that idea)LIMIT: a determining feature or differentia in logicLINE: a glib often persuasive way of talking (had a line to make the angels weep)LOBBIED: to attempt to influence or sway (someone, such as a public official) toward a desired action (lobbying senators for tax reform)LOBBY: to attempt to influence or sway (someone, such as a public official) toward a desired action (lobbying senators for tax reform)LOGIC: a particular mode of reasoning viewed as valid or faulty (She spent a long time explaining the situation, but he failed to see her logic.)MAINTAIN: to affirm in or as if in argument; to assert (maintained that the earth is flat)MAINTAINING: to affirm in or as if in argument; to assert (maintained that the earth is flat)MOOD: the form of a syllogism as determined by the quantity and quality of its constituent propositionsMOOT: open to question: debatable; subjected to discussion: disputed; deprived of practical significance: made abstract or purely academic; to bring up for discussion: broach; to debateMOOTED: open to question: debatable; subjected to discussion: disputed; deprived of practical significance: made abstract or purely academic; to bring up for discussion: broach; to debateMOOTING: open to question: debatable; subjected to discussion: disputed; deprived of practical significance: made abstract or purely academic; to bring up for discussion: broach; to debateMOVE: to prompt or rouse to the doing of something: persuade (the report moved us to take action)
MOVED: to prompt or rouse to the doing of something: persuade (the report moved us to take action)OPPONENT: one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict)
OVER: across (got his point over)PARRY: to evade especially by an adroit answer (parried the question)PITCH: a recommendation, plug (made a pitch for vacationing in Italy); also, to attempt to persuade, especially with a pitchPITCHED: a recommendation, plug (made a pitch for vacationing in Italy); also, to attempt to persuade, especially with a pitchPITCHING: a recommendation, plug (made a pitch for vacationing in Italy); also, to attempt to persuade, especially with a pitchPOLEMIC: an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another; also, the art or practice of disputation or controversy —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction; also, an aggressive controversialist: a disputantPOUND: to inculcate by insistent repetition: to drive (pound home the facts)POUNDED: to inculcate by insistent repetition: to drive (pound home the facts)RAMMING: to force passage or acceptance of (ram home an idea)TALK: to influence, affect, or cause by talking (she talked them into going)TALKED: to influence, affect, or cause by talking (she talked them into going)TEAM: a group on one side (as in football or a debate)TEAMMATE: a fellow member of a teamTEMPT: to induce to do something; to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gainTEMPTED: to induce to do something; to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gainTOPIC: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse; argument, reason; one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoningULTIMATA: plural of ultimatum, a final proposition, condition, or demand, especially: one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct actionULTIMATUM: a final proposition, condition, or demand, especially: one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct actionUNARM: to disarm; to win over, to persuade; to disarm; to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile (disarmed criticism by admitting her errors)UNARY*: monadic: having only a single argument —used of a predicate or propositional function (x is red is monadic, while x loves y is not)UNDEFENDED: not guarded or protected: not defended: to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism (defend a theory) (couldn't defend their actions)URGING: to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly; to solicit, entreat; to serve as a motive or reason for (urged by a sense of duty); to declare, advance, or press earnestly a statement, argument, charge, or claim (urged for the adoption of the proposal)WINNING: to make friendly or favorable to oneself or to one's cause —often used with over (won him over with persuasive arguments)
Polite, Pleasant
CLEAN: free from offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity (a clean joke)CONDOLE: to express sympathetic sorrowCONDOLED: to express sympathetic sorrowCONDOLENCE: sympathy with another in sorrow; an expression of sympathy —usually pluralCONDOLING: to express sympathetic sorrowDECENT: free from immodesty or obscenity (decent language)MINCE: to restrain (words) within the bounds of decorumMINCED: to restrain (words) within the bounds of decorumMINCING: to restrain (words) within the bounds of decorumNICE: appropriate, fitting (not a nice word for a formal occasion)NICELY: appropriate, fitting (not a nice word for a formal occasion)
Questions, Queries, and Requests
APPEAL: to make an earnest request; also, an earnest plea: entreaty; also, to call upon another for corroboration, vindication, or decision; also, an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decisionAPPEALED: to make an earnest request; also, an earnest plea: entreaty; also, to call upon another for corroboration, vindication, or decision; also, an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decision
ASKS: to call on for an answer; to put a question about; to make a request of; to make a request for; to call for: to require (a challenge that will ask much of us); to make a request (asked for food)
CAPICHE: capisce or capiche or less commonly capeesh or capish: chiefly US slang —used to ask if a message, warning, etc., has been understoodDUCK: to evade a questionDUCKED: to evade a questionFIELD: to give an impromptu answer or solution to (the senator fielded the reporters' questions)FIELDED: to give an impromptu answer or solution to (the senator fielded the reporters' questions)FIELDING: to give an impromptu answer or solution to (the senator fielded the reporters' questions)GRILL: to question intensely, such as during an interrogationGRILLING: to question intensely, such as during an interrogationHECKLE: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes: to badgerHECKLED: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes: to badgerINVOKE: to petition for help or support; to make an earnest request for: to solicit
INVITATIONAL: prepared or entered in response to a request (an invitational article)INVOKING: to petition for help or support; to make an earnest request for: to solicitLOBBED: to direct (something, such as a question or comment) so as to elicit a responseLOBBING: to direct (something, such as a question or comment) so as to elicit a responseLOBS: to direct (something, such as a question or comment) so as to elicit a responseOPEN: exposed or vulnerable to attack or question: subject (open to doubt)PICK: to obtain useful information from by questioning —used in such phrases as pick the brains ofPICKED: to obtain useful information from by questioning —used in such phrases as pick the brains ofPLACE: to present for consideration (a question placed before the group)PLEA: an earnest entreaty: an: appeal (their plea for understanding must be answered)PLEAD: to argue for or against a claim; to entreat or appeal earnestlyPLEADED: to argue for or against a claim; to entreat or appeal earnestlyPLED: to argue for or against a claim; to entreat or appeal earnestlyPRAY: entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea (pray be careful); to get or bring by praying; to make a request in a humble mannerPUMP: to question persistently (pumped him for the information); also, to elicit by persistent questioningPUMPED: to question persistently (pumped him for the information); also, to elicit by persistent questioningPUMPING: to question persistently (pumped him for the information); also, to elicit by persistent questioningWHAT: used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter; —often used to ask for repetition of an utterance or part of an utterance not properly heard or understood; —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the character, nature, occupation, position, or role of a person; —used at the end of a question to express inquiry about additional possibilities; —used with or at the end of a question usually in expectation of agreement; used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of a person, object, or matterWHICH: being what one or ones out of a group —used as an interrogativeWHOM: objective case of who, —used as an interrogative or relative —used as object of a verb or a preceding preposition, or less frequently as the object of a following prepositionWORM: to obtain or extract by artful or insidious questioning or by pleading, asking, or persuading —usually used with out of (finally wormed the truth out of him)WRING: to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing (wring a confession from the suspect)WRINGING: to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing (wring a confession from the suspect)WRUNG: past tense and past participle of to wring, to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing (wring a confession from the suspect)
Sayings and Statements
ADAGE: a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observationAXIOM: a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic meritAXIOMATIC: a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic meritCANT: a set or stock phrase; also, the expression or repetition of conventional or trite opinions or sentiments, especially: the insincere use of pious words (the cant of hypocrites); also, to talk hypocritically (canted about brotherly love)CANTING*: a set or stock phrase; also, the expression or repetition of conventional or trite opinions or sentiments, especially: the insincere use of pious words (the cant of hypocrites); also, to talk hypocritically (canted about brotherly love)COIN: something used as if it were money (as in verbal or intellectual exchange) (literary coin)DICTA: a noteworthy statement, such as a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion (awaiting the king's dictum) or an observation intended or regarded as authoritative (must follow the dictum "First, do no harm")DOORNAIL: a large-headed nail —used chiefly in the phrase “dead as a doornail”EPITHET: a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thingFORMULA: a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or actionGNOME: a maxim: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct; or, an aphorism: a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment: an adageHAWED: to utter the sound represented by haw (hemmed and hawed before answering)HEMMED: to utter the sound represented by hem (hemmed and hawed before answering)HEMMING: to utter the sound represented by hem (hemmed and hawed before answering)INCANT: to recite or utterINCANTATION: a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effectINCANTING: to recite or utterLITANY: a usually lengthy recitation or enumerationLITURGY: a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observancesLOGO: an identifying statement: a mottoMANTRA: a watchwordMAXIM: a proverbial sayingMAYDAY: M-W capitalizes Mayday, used as a distress call in international radio-telephone communications. Collins and NOAD also capitalize.MOTTO: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use; also, a short expression of a guiding principleMOUTHFUL: a very long word or phrase; a comment or a statement rich in meaning or substanceNAIVETE: M-W has or naïveté or less commonly naiveté: (noun) a naive remark or action (The farce is noted for its ridiculous acts and naïvetés.)
NARRATION: the act or process or an instance of narrating; a story, narrativeNOTHING: a light, playful, or frivolous remark —usually plural (sweet nothings)ORACULAR: resembling (as in solemnity of delivery) an oracle, a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions, or an authoritative or wise expression or answerORATION: an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified mannerORATORY: the art of speaking in public eloquently or effectively; public speaking that employs oratory; public speaking that is characterized by the use of stock phrases and that appeals chiefly to the emotionsRIFF: a succinct usually witty comment; also, to perform, deliver, or make use of a riffRIFFING: a succinct usually witty comment; also, to perform, deliver, or make use of a riffTALE: a series of events or facts told or presented: an accountWORD: a saying, proverb
Secrets and Disclosures
BABBLE: to reveal by talk that is too freeBABBLING: to reveal by talk that is too freeBARING: to make or lay (something) bare; to uncoverBLAB: to reveal a secret especially by indiscreet chatterBLABBING: to reveal a secret especially by indiscreet chatterBLABBY: to reveal a secret especially by indiscreet chatterCONCEAL: to prevent disclosure or recognition of (conceal the truth)CONFIDE: to show confidence by imparting secrets; to tell confidentiallyCONFIDED: to show confidence by imparting secrets; to tell confidentiallyCONFIDENCE: a communication made in confidence: a secretDIVULGING: to make known (something, such as a confidence or secret) (refused to divulge the name of her informant)HIDDEN: to keep secret (hide the truth)HIDE: to keep secret (hide the truth)HIDING: to keep secret (hide the truth)INTIMATE: of a very personal or private nature (e.g., intimate secrets); also, to make known especially publicly or formally: announceINTIMATING: of a very personal or private nature (e.g., intimate secrets); also, to make known especially publicly or formally: announceINTIMATION: of a very personal or private nature (e.g., intimate secrets); also, to make known especially publicly or formally: announceKEEP: to refrain from revealing (keep a secret)KEEPING: to refrain from revealing (keep a secret)KEPT: past tense and past participle of keep: to refrain from revealing (keep a secret)LEAK: something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect; also, to become known despite efforts at concealment (confidential information leaked out); to be the source of an information leak; to give out (information) surreptitiously (leaked the story to the press)LEAKED: something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect; also, to become known despite efforts at concealment (confidential information leaked out); to be the source of an information leak; to give out (information) surreptitiously (leaked the story to the press)LEVEL: to deal frankly and openly [especially in speech]LEVELED: to deal frankly and openly [especially in speech]LEVELING: to deal frankly and openly [especially in speech]NAKED: devoid of concealment or disguise (the naked truth, naked aggression)OPEN: completely free from concealment: exposed to general knowledge; also, free from reserve or pretense: frank (was open about his personal life); also, to speak out (finally he opened freely on the subject)OPENED: completely free from concealment: exposed to general knowledge; also, free from reserve or pretense: frank (was open about his personal life); also, to speak out (finally he opened freely on the subject)OPENLY: completely free from concealment: exposed to general knowledge; also, free from reserve or pretense: frank (was open about his personal life); also, to speak out (finally he opened freely on the subject)OUTED: to become publicly known (the truth will out); also, to identify (someone) publicly as being such secretly; especially: to reveal the covert sexual orientation or gender identity of (someone)OUTING: to become publicly known (the truth will out); also, the public disclosure of the covert sexual orientation or gender identity of a prominent personPRIVACY: secrecy; a private matter: secretPRIVY: secret; also, admitted as one sharing in a secret (privy to the conspiracy)
SQUEAK: to squeal: to tell someone in authority (as the police, a parent, or a teacher) about someone else's bad behavior or actionsSQUEAKS: to squeal: to tell someone in authority (as the police, a parent, or a teacher) about someone else's bad behavior or actionsTALE: a report of a private or confidential matterTALK: mention, report; also, to reveal secret or confidential informationTALKED: mention, report; also, to reveal secret or confidential informationTATTLE: chiefly US : to tell secrets about what someone else has done: to blab; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTATTLED: chiefly US : to tell secrets about what someone else has done: to blab; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTATTLETALE: chiefly US, informal: someone (such as a child) who tells secrets about what someone else has done: one who tattles: informerTATTLING: chiefly US : to tell secrets about what someone else has done: to blab; to chatter, to prate; to utter or disclose in gossip or chatterTELL: to make known: to divulge, reveal; to tell someone (such as a parent or other person of authority) about what someone else has done —often used with onTELLTALE: talebearer, informerTOLD: to make known: to divulge, reveal; to tell someone (such as a parent or other person of authority) about what someone else has done —often used with onVENTILATE: to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly: expose (ventilating family quarrels in public)WIND: slight information especially about something secret: intimation (got wind of the plan)
Shouting, Screaming
BELLOW: to shout in a deep voiceBELLOWED: to shout in a deep voiceBLARING: to proclaim flamboyantly (headlines blared his defeat; she blared out her victory)BRAY: to utter or play loudly or harshlyBRAYING: to utter or play loudly or harshlyCALL: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance: to shoutCALLED: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance: to shoutCALLING: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance: to shoutCRYING: to call loudly: to shoutHALLO*: M-W: or halloo, both variants of hollo, to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerHALLOO*: M-W: or hallo, both variants of hollo, to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerHOLLA*: M-W does not have an entry for holla; Collins says variant of hollo, which M-W defines as to cry hollo: to holler; to call or cry hollo to; to utter loudly: to hollerROAR: a loud deep cry (as of pain or anger); also, a boisterous outcry (a roar of acclaim); also, to sing or shout with full force (The fans roared when their team scored.); also, to utter or proclaim with a roar ("Watch out!" he roared.)ROARING: a loud deep cry (as of pain or anger); also, a boisterous outcry (a roar of acclaim); also, to sing or shout with full force (The fans roared when their team scored.); also, to utter or proclaim with a roar ("Watch out!" he roared.)YELL: a scream, a shout; also, a usually rhythmic cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams; also, to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout; to give a cheer usually in unison; to utter or declare with or as if with a yell: to shoutYELLED: a scream, a shout; also, a usually rhythmic cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams; also, to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout; to give a cheer usually in unison; to utter or declare with or as if with a yell: to shoutYELP: a sharp shrill bark or cry (as of a dog); a squeal; to utter a sharp quick shrill cry (dogs yelp); to utter with a yelpYELPED: a sharp shrill bark or cry (as of a dog); a squeal; to utter a sharp quick shrill cry (dogs yelp); to utter with a yelpYIPPING: to utter a short sharp cry
Silent, Muted, Sparse
BUTTON: to close (the lips) to prevent speech (button your lip)BUTTONED: to close (the lips) to prevent speech (button your lip)BUTTONING: to close (the lips) to prevent speech (button your lip)CHOKE: to become or feel constricted in the throat (as from strong emotion) —usually used with up (choked up)CHOKING: to become or feel constricted in the throat (as from strong emotion) —usually used with up (choked up)CHOKY: tending to cause choking or to become chokedCURT: sparing of words: terse; marked by rude or peremptory shortness: brusqueCURTLY: sparing of words: terse; marked by rude or peremptory shortness: brusqueDROP: to cause (the voice) to be less loudDROPPING: to cause (the voice) to be less loudDUMB: silent; taciturn; temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) (struck dumb with fear); not expressed in uttered words (dumb grief)
ELLIPTIC: of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis: the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete; also, a sudden leap from one topic to another; also, of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing; also, of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
ELLIPTICAL: variant or elliptic: of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis: the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete; also, a sudden leap from one topic to another; also, of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing; also, of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)GAGGED: to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression (trying to gag the press, legally gagged from discussing the case); to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting something into it to prevent speech or outcryGAGGING: to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression (trying to gag the press, legally gagged from discussing the case); to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting something into it to prevent speech or outcryLACONIC: using or involving the use of a minimum of words: concise to the point of seeming rude or mysteriousLACONICALLY: using or involving the use of a minimum of words: concise to the point of seeming rude or mysteriousLEAN: characterized by economy (as of expression)LEANLY: characterized by economy (as of expression)MOUTH: to form soundlessly with the lips (parent mouthed the word "quiet"); to utter indistinctly: to mumble; also, to speak, pronounceMOUTHED: to form soundlessly with the lips (parent mouthed the word "quiet"); to utter indistinctly: to mumble; also, to speak, pronounceMUMBLE: to utter words in a low confused indistinct manner ; to mutter; to utter with a low inarticulate voiceMUMBLED: to utter words in a low confused indistinct manner ; to mutter; to utter with a low inarticulate voiceMURMUR: a soft or gentle utterance (the murmur of nannies cooing into baby carriages); also, to say in a murmurMURMURING: a soft or gentle utterance (the murmur of nannies cooing into baby carriages); also, to say in a murmurMUTE: characterized by absence of such as felt or experienced but not expressed (mute hostility); also, unable to speak: lacking the power of speech; also, dated, offensive: a person who lacks the ability to speak; also, a stop, a consonant characterized by complete closure of the breath passage in the course of articulationMUZZLING: to gag, with something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expressionNONVOCAL*: not uttered by the voice (nonvocal communication); not having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound (nonvocal patients)PEEP: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundPEEPED: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundPEEPING: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest; also, to utter the slightest soundQUIET: tending to speak very little: not loquaciousTACIT: expressed or carried on without words or speech; implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressedTACITLY: expressed or carried on without words or speech; implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressedTACITURN: temperamentally disinclined to talkUNMUZZLING: to free from or as if from a muzzle, something (such as censorship) that restrains normal expressionWEAK: wanting in vigor of expression or effect (a weak translation of the poem)WITHDRAW: to take back, to retract
Speaking and Speakers general; the act of speaking
ALOUD: with the speaking voice in a way that can be clearly heardASKS: to speak, utter (ask a question)BIDDING: to give expression to (bid a tearful farewell)CHEEP: to utter a single word or sound: to peepCHEEPED: to utter a single word or sound: to peepCHIRP: to utter (something) with a cheerful livelinessCLOWN: a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoonCOLLAR: to stop and detain in unwilling conversation (collar the guest of honor) COLLOCUTOR*: a person to or with whom one speaksDICTATE: to utter words to be transcribed: to give dictation; to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to recordDICTATED: to utter words to be transcribed: to give dictation; to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to recordDICTATING: to utter words to be transcribed: to give dictation; to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to recordDICTATION: the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed; also, material that is dictated or transcribedDROLL: an amusing person: a jester, comedianECHO: a repetition or imitation of another: reflection; also, to repeat, to imitate (children echoing their teacher's words); also, one who closely imitates or repeats another's words, ideas, or actsECHOED: a repetition or imitation of another: reflection; also, to repeat, to imitate (children echoing their teacher's words)ECHOING: a repetition or imitation of another: reflection; also, to repeat, to imitate (children echoing their teacher's words)EMIT: to give utterance or voice to (emitted a groan)EMITTED: to give utterance or voice to (emitted a groan)EMITTING: to give utterance or voice to (emitted a groan)especially: sound so produced by human beings; also, a sound resembling or suggesting vocal utterance; also, the faculty of utterance (lost my voice); also, the right of expression; also, to express in words: to utterespecially: sound so produced by human beings; also, a sound resembling or suggesting vocal utterance; also, the faculty of utterance (lost my voice); also, the right of expression; also, to express in words: to utterespecially: sound so produced by human beings; also, a sound resembling or suggesting vocal utterance; also, the faculty of utterance (lost my voice); also, the right of expression; also, to express in words: to utterFACILE: ready, fluent (facile prose)GOING: present participle of to go, to say —used chiefly in oral narration of speech (and then she went, “It’s OK.”)GONE: past participle of to go, to say —used chiefly in oral narration of speech (and then she went, “It’s OK.”)LANGUAGE: audible, articulate, meaningful sound as produced by the action of the vocal organsLIPPED: to utterLIPPING: to utterMINCE: to utter or pronounce with affectationMINCED: to utter or pronounce with affectationMINCING: to utter or pronounce with affectationMOUTH: voice, speech (gave mouth to her feelings); also, a mouthpiece, a spokesperson: one that expresses or interprets another's viewsNARRATOR: one who narrates, to tell (a story) in detailORAL: uttered by the mouth or in words: spoken; also, using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deafORALLY: in spoken words: by means of speech (oral history)ORATOR: one who delivers an oration; one distinguished for skill and power as a public speakerPAROL: word of mouth, orally communicatedPHONATE: to produce vocal sounds and especially speechSAYS: to express in words: to state; to utter, pronounce; to recite, repeat (say your prayers); to express oneself: to speak; to give expression to: to communicate (a glance that said all that was necessary)SQUEAK a sharp shrill cry or sound; also, to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise; also, to utter in a shrill piping toneSQUEAKS: a sharp shrill cry or sound; also, to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise; also, to utter in a shrill piping toneSQUEAKY: of the nature of, emitting, or tending to emit squeaksTALK: the act or an instance of talking: speech; also, to deliver or express in to utterTALKATIVE: given to talking; also: full of talkTALKED: the act or an instance of talking: speech; also, to deliver or express in to utterTELL: to give utterance to: to say; to express in wordsTOLD: to give utterance to: to say; to express in wordsTONGUE: the power of communication through speechTROLL: to speak rapidlyUNGAG: to remove a gag from, especially: to release from censorshipVEND: to utter publiclyVENDED: to utter publiclyVENDING: to utter publiclyVENTILATE: to make public: utter (ventilated their objections at length)VOCAL: uttered by the voice: oral; produced in the larynx: uttered with voice; having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound; of, relating to, or resembling the voice (vocal impairment); also, a vocal soundVOICE: sound produced by vertebrates by means of lungs, larynx, or syrinxVOICED: sound produced by vertebrates by means of lungs, larynx, or syrinxVOICING: sound produced by vertebrates by means of lungs, larynx, or syrinxWENT: past tense of to go, to say —used chiefly in oral narration of speech (and then she went, “It’s OK.”)WHAT: —used in expressions directing attention to a statement that the speaker is about to make (you know what)WORD: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication (loyal in word and deed); to express in words: to phraseWORDILY: using or containing many and usually too many words
WORDING: the act of speaking or of making verbal communication (loyal in word and deed); to express in words: to phraseWORDY: using or containing many and usually too many words
Teasing and Taunting
BURN: slang: a cutting remark intended to embarrass or humiliate someone —used chiefly in the phrase sick burnBURNT: slang: a cutting remark intended to embarrass or humiliate someone —used chiefly in the phrase sick burnCHEEKY: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing wayCHIRP: to make sharply taunting remarksGAME: often derisive or mocking jesting: fun, sport (make game of a nervous player); also, a target or object especially of ridicule or attack —often used in the phrase fair gameGIBE: to utter taunting words or to deride or tease with taunting wordsGIBED: to utter taunting words or to deride or tease with taunting wordsGIBING: to utter taunting words or to deride or tease with taunting wordsGIRD: a sarcastic remark; also, to sneer at: mock; gibe, railGIRDING: to sneer at: mock; gibe, railJAPE: to say or do something jokingly or mockingly; to make mocking fun of; also, something designed to arouse amusement or laughter: such as a gibeKIDDED: to gently criticize or tease (someone) in a friendly or good-humored way, also, to engage in good-humored fooling or horseplayKIDDING: to gently criticize or tease (someone) in a friendly or good-humored way, also, to engage in good-humored fooling or horseplayLAMPOON: satire, specifically: a harsh satire usually directed against an individual; also, to make the subject of a lampoon: to ridiculeLAUGH: an expression of scorn or mockery: jeerLAUGHED: an expression of scorn or mockery: jeerLAUGHING: an expression of scorn or mockery: jeerMIMIC: to ridicule by imitation (The comic mimicked the president's mannerisms.); to imitate closely: to ape (He mimicked her accent.)MIMICKED: to ridicule by imitation (The comic mimicked the president's mannerisms.); to imitate closely: to ape (He mimicked her accent.)MIMICKING: to ridicule by imitation (The comic mimicked the president's mannerisms.); to imitate closely: to ape (He mimicked her accent.)NEEDLE: a teasing or gibing remark; also, to tease, torment; to incite to action by repeated gibes (needled the boy into a fight)NEEDLED: a teasing or gibing remark; also, to tease, torment; to incite to action by repeated gibes (needled the boy into a fight)RIBBING: to poke fun at: to kidRIDING: to tease, rib (an uncle who rode the kids mercilessly)TAUNT: a sarcastic challenge or insult; also, to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner: to jeer atTAUNTED: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner: to jeer atTAUNTING: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner: to jeer atTWIT: an act of twitting: a taunt; also, to subject to light ridicule or reproach: to ally; to make fun of as a fault
Tone, Emphasis, Inflection
ACCENT: a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region; an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words BLAT: to utter loudly or foolishly: to blurt; also, the sound made by blattingBLEAT: to utter in a bleating manner; to utter in a sound similar to the cry of a sheep or goatBLURT: to utter abruptly and impulsivelyBOLT: to say impulsively: to blurtBUBBLE: to speak in a lively and fluent manner; to utter (something) effervescentlyBUBBLED: to speak in a lively and fluent manner; to utter (something) effervescentlyBUBBLING: to speak in a lively and fluent manner; to utter (something) effervescentlyCACOPHONY: harshness in the sound of words or phrasesCANT: affected singsong or whining speech (a beggar's cant); also, to talk or beg in a whining or singsong mannerCANTING*: affected singsong or whining speech (a beggar's cant); also, to talk or beg in a whining or singsong mannerCATCH: a momentary audible break in the voice or breathCLAMANT*: clamorous, blatantCRACK: to fail in tone (his voice cracked); also, to destroy the tone of (a voice); also, a broken tone of the voiceCROAK: to speak in a hoarse throaty voiceCROAKY: to speak in a hoarse throaty voiceDRAWL: a drawling manner of speaking; also, to speak slowly with vowels greatly prolonged; to utter in a slow lengthened toneDRAWLY: a drawling manner of speakingDRONING: to talk in a persistently dull or monotonous tone; to utter or pronounce with a droneDRYLY: dry: lacking smooth sound qualities (a dry rasping voice; rasping dryly); also, marked by matter-of-fact, ironic, or terse manner of expression (a dry wit, has a very dry sense of humor, joking dryly)DWELL: to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon (reporters dwelling on the recent scandal)DWELLED: to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon (reporters dwelling on the recent scandal)DWELLING: to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon (reporters dwelling on the recent scandal)DWELT: to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon (reporters dwelling on the recent scandal)EDGE: a noticeably harsh or sharp quality (her voice had an edge to it; the harsh bell had an edge to it)EVENLY: without raising the voice: in a flat expressionless voice: quietly, unemotionally
FLORID: very flowery in style: ornate (florid prose, florid declamations); also: having a florid style (a florid writer)FLORIDLY: in a florid manner: with floridity; very flowery in style: ornate (florid prose, florid declamations); also: having a florid style (a florid writer)GARGLING: to utter with a gargling sound; to speak or sing as if garglingGRUFF: being deep and harsh: hoarseHURL: to utter with vehemence (hurled insults)INFLECT: to change or vary the pitch of (e.g., to inflect one's voice)INTONATING: intoning or utteringINTONATION: manner of utterance; specifically: the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speechLEVEL: calm, unexcited (spoke in level tones)LEVELLY: calm, unexcited (spoke in level tones)LILT: to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitchLILTED: to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitchLILTING: to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitchMODE: a form or manner of expression: style MONOTONE: a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitchMONOTONIC*: characterized by the use of or uttered in a monotone (She recited the poem in a monotonic voice.)MONOTONY: sameness of tone or soundNATURALLY: without affectation (speak naturally)NOTE: something (such as an emotion or disposition) like a note in tone or resonance (a note of sadness, end on a high note)OPEN: having clarity and resonance unimpaired by undue tension or constriction of the throat (an open vocal tone); also, low, articulated with a wide opening between the relatively flat tongue and the palate (an open vowel); also, formed with the tongue in a lower position (Italian has an open and a closed e) OROTUND: marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound: sonorous (an orotund voice); also, pompous, bombastic (an orotund speech)PANT: to utter with panting: to gaspPANTING: to utter with panting: to gaspPELT: to assail vigorously or persistently (pelted her with accusations)PELTED: to assail vigorously or persistently (pelted her with accusations)PIPE: to speak in a high or shrill voice; to utter in the shrill tone of a pipe; to emit a shrill soundPIPED: to speak in a high or shrill voice; to utter in the shrill tone of a pipe; to emit a shrill soundPIPING: shrill (a piping voice); to speak in a high or shrill voice; to utter in the shrill tone of a pipe; to emit a shrill soundPITCH: the difference in the relative vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech; also, a definite relative pitch that is a significant phenomenon in speechPITCHED: the difference in the relative vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech; also, a definite relative pitch that is a significant phenomenon in speechPITCHING: the difference in the relative vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech; also, a definite relative pitch that is a significant phenomenon in speechPLACE: to cause (the voice) to produce free and well resonated singing or speaking tonesPLUMMY: rich and mellow often to the point of affectation (a plummy singing voice)PUNGENCY: the quality or state of being pungent: marked by a sharp incisive quality: caustic (a pungent critic, pungent language)PURR: to speak in a manner that resembles a purrPURRING: to speak in a manner that resembles a purrRANT: a bombastic extravagant speech; bombastic extravagant language; also, to talk or recite in a noisy, excited, or bombastic mannerRAPPING: to utter suddenly and forciblyRAVING: to talk with extreme enthusiasm (raved about its beauty)RHYTHM: an ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in the flow of sound and silence in speech; also, a particular example or form of rhythm (e.g., iambic rhythm)RHYTHMIC: marked by or moving in pronounced rhythm; also, of, relating to, or involving rhythmRICH: full and mellow in tone and quality (a rich voice)RIFF: a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring, especially: one that is part of a comic performance; also, to perform, deliver, or make use of a riffRIFFING: a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring, especially: one that is part of a comic performance; also, to perform, deliver, or make use of a riffRIPPING: to utter violently: to spit out (ripped out an oath)ROLL: a sonorous and often rhythmical flow of speechROUGH: harsh to the ear (a rough voice)ROUND: having full or unimpeded resonance or tone: sonorousTHROAT: to utter in the throat: to mutter; to sing or enunciate in a throaty voiceTHROATY: uttered or produced from low in the throat (a throaty voice); heavy, thick, and deep as if from the throatTONAL: related to tone, the style or manner of expression in speaking or writing (a conciliatory tone); a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence; also, the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning; also, accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotionTONALLY: related to tone, the style or manner of expression in speaking or writing (a conciliatory tone); a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence; also, the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning; also, accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotionTONE: style or manner of expression in speaking or writing (a conciliatory tone); a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence; also, the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning; also, accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion; also, to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound: to mellow —often used with down; also, to give a particular intonation or inflection to; to intoneTONED: style or manner of expression in speaking or writing (a conciliatory tone); a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence; also, the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning; also, accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion; also, to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound: to mellow —often used with down; also, to give a particular intonation or inflection to; to intoneTONGUE: manner or quality of utterance with respect to tone or sound, the sense of what is expressed, or the intention of the speaker (she has a clever tongue; a sharp tongue)TONIC: a voiced sound; also, of a syllable: bearing a principal stress or accent; also, of or relating to speech tones or to languages using them to distinguish words otherwise identicalTONING: style or manner of expression in speaking or writing (a conciliatory tone); a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence; also, the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning; also, accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion; also, to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound: to mellow —often used with down; also, to give a particular intonation or inflection to; to intoneTUMULT: a violent outburstTUNE: manner of utterance: intonation; specifically: phonetic modulationUNCTION: exaggerated, assumed, or superficial earnestness of language or manner: unctuousness: having, revealing, or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spiritualityVEIN: a distinctive mode of expression: style (stories in a romantic vein); a line of thought or action; a distinctive element or quality: strain (introduced a welcome vein of humor)WHINNIED: to utter with or as if with a whinnyWHINNY: to utter with or as if with a whinnyWHINNYING: to utter with or as if with a whinnyYODEL: a song or refrain sung by yodeling; also: a yodeled shout or cry; also, to sing by suddenly changing from a natural voice to a falsetto and backalso: to shout or call in a similar manner; to sing (a tune) by yodelingYODELED: a song or refrain sung by yodeling; also: a yodeled shout or cry; also, to sing by suddenly changing from a natural voice to a falsetto and backalso: to shout or call in a similar manner; to sing (a tune) by yodeling
Weeping and Wailing
BAWL: to cry out loudly and unrestrainedly; to cry loudly: to wail; to cry out at the top of one's voiceBAYED: to utter in deep prolonged tonesBAYING: to utter in deep prolonged tonesBEMOAN: to express deep grief or distress overBEMOANED: to express deep grief or distress overBLEAT: to whimperBOOHOO: M-W hyphenates boo-hoo, or boohoo or less commonly boo hooto weep loudly and with sobsBOOHOOS: M-W hyphenates boo-hoo, or boohoo or less commonly boo hooto weep loudly and with sobsCRYING: to shed tears, often noisily: weep, sobGROAN: to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyanceGROANING: to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyanceHOWL: to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (such as pain, grief, or amusement)HOWLING: to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (such as pain, grief, or amusement)KEEN: a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or sometimes in a wordless cry; or to make a loud and long cry of sorrow: to lament with a keen; to make a sound suggestive of a loud cry of sorrow: to lament, mourn, or complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryKEENED: a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or sometimes in a wordless cry; or to make a loud and long cry of sorrow: to lament with a keen; to make a sound suggestive of a loud cry of sorrow: to lament, mourn, or complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryKEENING: a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or sometimes in a wordless cry; or to make a loud and long cry of sorrow: to lament with a keen; to make a sound suggestive of a loud cry of sorrow: to lament, mourn, or complain loudly; to utter with a loud wailing voice or wordless cryLAMENT: to mourn aloud: to wail; a crying out in grief: wailing; to regret strongly; to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for often demonstratively: to mournMEWL: to cry weakly: to whimperMEWLED: to cry weakly: to whimperMOAN: a lamentation; a low prolonged sound of pain or of grief; also, to bewail audibly: lament; to utter with moans; to lament, complain; to make a moan: to groan; to emit a sound resembling a moanMOURN: to utter mournfullyMOURNING: to utter mournfullyOUTCRY: a loud cry: a clamorPITCH: to throw [figuratively]: to indulge in: to give way to (e.g., to throw temper tantrum) (pitch a fit)PITCHED: to throw [figuratively]: to indulge in: to give way to (e.g., to throw temper tantrum) (pitch a fit)PITCHING: to throw [figuratively]: to indulge in: to give way to (e.g., to throw temper tantrum) (pitch a fit)PLAINT: lamentation, wailPULE: to whine, to whimperPULED: to whine, to whimperSOBS: an act of sobbing; also, to catch the breath audibly in a spasmodic contraction of the throat; to cry or weep with convulsive catching of the breath; to bring to a specified state by sobbing (sobbed himself to sleep); to utter with sobs (sobbed out her grief)ULULANT*: (adj) having a howling sound: wailingULULATE: to utter a loud, usually protracted, high-pitched, rhythmical sound especially as an expression of sorrow, joy, celebration, or reverence: to howlULULATED: to utter a loud, usually protracted, high-pitched, rhythmical sound especially as an expression of sorrow, joy, celebration, or reverence: to howlWAIL: a usually prolonged cry or sound expressing grief or pain; the act or practice of wailing: loud lamentation; also, to express sorrow audibly: to lamentWAILING: a usually prolonged cry or sound expressing grief or pain; the act or practice of wailing: loud lamentation; also, to express sorrow audibly: to lamentWAUL: or less commonly wawl, chiefly Scottish: wail, howl, squallWEEP: to express deep sorrow for usually by shedding tears: to bewail; to pour forth (tears) from the eyes; to express passion (such as grief) by shedding tearsWHINE: a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain; also, to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINED: a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain; also, to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGE: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGEING: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINGING: British: to complain fretfully: to whine: to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whine; also, to complain with or as if with a whine (always whining about the weather); to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHINING: a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain; also, to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry; to utter or express with or as if with a whineWHININGLY: in a whining tone or manner (the boards creaked whiningly beneath their feet) (the child pleaded whiningly)WHINY: characterized by whining: having a high-pitched, shrill or plaintive quality (a whiny voice)YOWL: a loud long mournful wail or howl (as of a cat); also, to utter a loud long cry of grief, pain, or distress: to wail; to complain or protest with or as if with yowls; to express with yowling
ABOUT THE LEXITOPICS PROJECT
Spelling Bee Words Related to
SPEECH AND VERBAL EXPRESSION
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