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Definitions

discourse

[dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs] / ˈdɪs kɔrs, -koʊrs, dɪsˈkɔrs, -ˈkoʊrs, dɪsˈkɔrs, -ˈkoʊrs /
NOUN
dialogue; dissertation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
communication conversation discussion essay lecture monologue rhetoric speech treatise
STRONG
address article chat converse descant disquisition gabfest homily huddle memoir monograph oration paper sermon speaking talk thesis utterance verbalization
WEAK
tractate
Antonyms
STRONGEST
quiet silence
VERB
discuss, speak about
Synonyms
STRONG
argue chew comment commentate confab confer converse debate declaim descant develop dispute dissertate elaborate enlarge expand expatiate explain expound harangue lecture modulate orate perorate remark sermonize talk treat voice
WEAK
dilate upon dissert give a meeting hold forth
Antonyms
STRONG
abridge agree be quiet compress decrease go along ignore keep quiet lessen lower refrain shrink

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe one could surmise that people have gotten tired of heated discourse, that they’re bored by arguing.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The demonstrations "reshaped national discourse", noted Ahmed, by focusing the conversation on the need for reforms.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Our Founding Fathers respected public discourse and public demonstrations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

With the tagline “Not Just Politics as Usual,” the magazine married pop culture and politics in an unprecedented way and aimed to flip the script on mainstream political discourse.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

But as we shall see, coherent discourse also uses devices that differ from the branching of a tree, and our metaphors must expand accordingly.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing discourse

Othello

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Rhetoric

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Grade 11, List 3

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