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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.

“For even longer, Bill has been influencing American discourse — one politically incorrect joke at a time.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

He also vowed that his government will bring an end to "hatred, division and fear" in public discourse.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Limiting social media time also helps with distancing herself from the discourse around her latest starring roles, especially when viewers are weighing in on two at the same time.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Yet the issue soon dropped from national discourse, overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic and landmark racial justice protests.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Gorillas beat their chests for certain kinds of discourse.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.