expostulate

verb

ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce expostulate (audio)
Definition of expostulatenext
as in to object
to present an opposing opinion or argument the concerned parents tried to expostulate with their daughter when she announced her intention to live on her own in New York City

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expostulate But most of her extended conversations on campus were either with the administrator, Val, or with the custodian, a man named Hank who liked to park himself in her office doorway and expostulate about the upcoming hunting season. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 But her style, it is suggested (for what happened at those audiences was wholly confidential) was never to expostulate – merely to ask a leading question, or to drop a subtle hint. — Sarah Gristwood, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022 His humility does not work in his favor when promoting fights, and there is no hype man in Miocic’s corner expostulating his accolades. — Justin Barrasso, SI.com, 14 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expostulate
  1. object
  2. complain
  3. protest
Verb
  • No one from the CAO ever challenged or objected to (GRSM) retention.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Prosecutors objected the involuntary manslaughter instructions, as well as Reddington's request to include instructions on a Bowden charge, which would let jurors find the police investigation was not sufficient.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of object
Verb
  • The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complain
Verb
  • The drivers pushing the Iranian people into the streets to protest have only gotten worse since January — with political, economic and social forces all deteriorating.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Weeks before the war, Iranians took to the streets to protest rising costs and inflation.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of protest

Browse Nearby Words

expository
expostulate
expostulated
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Cite this Entry

“Expostulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expostulate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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