Thesaurus results for PONTIFICATE

pontificate

verb

Definition of pontificate

as in to rant

disapproving to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.

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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 pontificate The American pope has prioritized church unity and healing tensions with traditionalists that worsened during the Pope Francis pontificate. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 There is a temptation to expand the view of this ruling, to look at the slippery slope that has been legally greased and pontificate about how this will lead to the further damnation of college sports. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 Perhaps Pfleger would be well advised to stick to his faith and his flock and to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, rather than to continue to pontificate from the pulpit — or even the paper. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 Should the highest justices in the land be pontificating in public about their views on AI? — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pontificate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate

Verb

Comedian Matt Matthews recently ranted about pronouns, gender identity, and the LGBTQ community.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Aug. 2026
So Republicans are desperate for something, anything, anyone — a fall guy, a scapegoat — to rant against, whip up the Republican base against, and raise money for their fall campaigns.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rant

Verb

My son raved about a show of card tricks performed by an Australian magician named James Galea (the fact that he was selected to participate in one helped).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Payton raved about him this spring, but he’s missed all of camp with lower-body injuries.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rave

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pontifical

pontificate

pontificated

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“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pontificate

verb

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