pontificate

[pon-tif-i-kit, -keyt, pon-tif-i-keyt] / pɒnˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, -ˌkeɪt, pɒnˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /

VERB

sermonize

Synonyms

STRONG

address admonish dogmatize evangelize harangue lecture minister moralize preach teach

WEAK

get on a soapbox give sermon pulpiteer

Antonyms

STRONG

praise

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.

ISTANBUL—After a low-profile start to his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV is stepping into the limelight.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the Washington Post noted, “the document’s release follows the most vocal 10 days of Leo’s pontificate.”

From Salon

There has been speculation over Leo's first international destination, as early papal trips often define the tone of a pontificate.

From BBC

There’s been ad nauseam amounts of pontificating about the current state of the Democratic party.

From Los Angeles Times

But several events over the next few days and weeks will give Pope Leo a further chance to sketch out the priorities of his pontificate.

From BBC