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 WebChris Willman, Variety, 14 May 2024
Powell spoke hours after a report on U.S. producer prices showed that wholesale inflation picked up in April.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 14 May 2024
Her mother, from Venezuela, spoke Spanish, her father, from Lebanon, spoke French; neither feels appropriate to pass on.
—Madeleine Schwartz Soneela Nankani Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 14 May 2024
May 14, 2024 Parsons spoke about what drew him to the brand in their announcement.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2024
The two-time World Champion is scheduled to speak with the media Wednesday at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky ahead of the 106th PGA Championship this weekend.
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024
At the time, Daniel was 23 years old and had been offered a small speaking role in the series when Spacey allegedly groped him without his consent.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024
All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 19 Apr. 2024
While speaking with the fiancee, the officer learned about the employee’s belief that a terrorist was following Beck after his trip to Israel.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
Verb
A number of artists and execs spoke with Variety about Paul’s impact on their careers, the label or the roots world.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 14 May 2024
Powell spoke hours after a report on U.S. producer prices showed that wholesale inflation picked up in April.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 14 May 2024
Her mother, from Venezuela, spoke Spanish, her father, from Lebanon, spoke French; neither feels appropriate to pass on.
—Madeleine Schwartz Soneela Nankani Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 14 May 2024
May 14, 2024 Parsons spoke about what drew him to the brand in their announcement.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2024
The two-time World Champion is scheduled to speak with the media Wednesday at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky ahead of the 106th PGA Championship this weekend.
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024
At the time, Daniel was 23 years old and had been offered a small speaking role in the series when Spacey allegedly groped him without his consent.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024
All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 19 Apr. 2024
While speaking with the fiancee, the officer learned about the employee’s belief that a terrorist was following Beck after his trip to Israel.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near speak
Cite this Entry
“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 19 May. 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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