1
a
: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
b(1)
: to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
(2)
: to extend a greeting
(3)
: to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
still were not speaking after the dispute
c(1)
: to express oneself before a group
(2)
: to address one's remarks
speak to the issue
2
a
: to make a written statement
his diaries … spoke … of his entrancement with death—
Sy Kahn
Sy Kahn
b
: to use such an expression
—often used in the phrase so to speak
was at the enemy's gates, so to speak—C. S. Forester
C. S. Forester
c
: to serve as spokesperson
3
4
: to make a request or claim
—used with for —usually used in passive constructions
the seat was already spoken for
5
: to make a characteristic or natural sound
all at once the thunder spoke—George Meredith
George Meredith6
a
: testify
b
: to be indicative or suggestive
his gold … spoke of riches in the land—Julian Dana
Julian Dana1
2
: to make known in writing : state
3
: to use or be able to use in speaking
speaks Spanish
4
: to indicate by other than verbal means
ˌspēk
—used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon
Californiaspeak
Synonyms
Examples of speak in a Sentence
Verb
Have you two spoken since yesterday?
She and I spoke this morning.
He never speaks at the meetings.
Without speaking, she walked from the room.
They were speaking in Japanese.
When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely.
She must be speaking the truth.
Not a word was spoken between them the whole time.
He has laryngitis and can't speak.
She speaks with a Southern accent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Local leaders were hesitant to speak at length about the congresswoman, wary of the perception that they would be seen as pressuring a reluctant candidate into running — which is how former Rep. Ron Dellums’ mayoral tenure is often remembered.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Smotrich canceled his trip to France to speak at the gala, citing security concerns, but at least two demonstrations went ahead, drawing hundreds of protesters.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
For the next few years, the United States will speak with one voice on foreign policy, and that voice will be Trump’s.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for speak 
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show current usage.
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Verb
Mikko Rantanen spoke bluntly about Nichushkin, saying the quiet part out loud.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Local leaders were hesitant to speak at length about the congresswoman, wary of the perception that they would be seen as pressuring a reluctant candidate into running — which is how former Rep. Ron Dellums’ mayoral tenure is often remembered.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Smotrich canceled his trip to France to speak at the gala, citing security concerns, but at least two demonstrations went ahead, drawing hundreds of protesters.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
For the next few years, the United States will speak with one voice on foreign policy, and that voice will be Trump’s.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for speak
Dictionary Entries Near speak
Cite this Entry
“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
speak
verb1
: to utter words : talk
2
: to utter in words
speak the truth
3
: to mention in speech or writing
spoke of being ill
4
: to serve as spokesperson
spoke for the group
5
: to express feelings in ways other than by words
actions speak louder than words
6
: to use or be able to use in talking
speaks Spanish
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