1 eloquence | Definition of eloquence

eloquence

noun
el·​o·​quence | \ ˈe-lÉ™-kwÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce eloquence (audio) \

Definition of eloquence

1 : discourse marked by force and persuasiveness also : the art or power of using such discourse
2 : the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

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Synonyms & Antonyms for eloquence

Synonyms

articulacy [chiefly British], articulateness, poetry, rhetoric

Antonyms

inarticulateness

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Examples of eloquence in a Sentence

The senator's eloquence is well known. She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

To the contrary, 50 years later, his buildings exude the same joy, eloquence and integrity as at the time of their birth. oregonlive.com, "Celebrating architect Pietro Belluschi’s 120th anniversary: You’re invited to walking tours, talks this weekend," 16 Aug. 2019 Twain was dazzled by the unknown writer’s eloquence. The Economist, "Rudyard Kipling and the American imagination," 25 July 2019 The poignant pitch bends that composer Benshoof wrote into the score stood out for their expressive eloquence in an already poetic movement. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: Orchestra's soloists step into the spotlight," 14 June 2019 For all her expressive eloquence, Sofía is as opaque a figure as those around her, as if the movie were reluctant to presume access to her psyche or pluck her away from her surroundings. Justin Chang, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Moving ‘Too Late to Die Young’ opens a window on a lost Chilean summer," 13 June 2019 For all her expressive eloquence, Sofía is as opaque a figure as those around her, as if the movie were reluctant to presume access to her psyche or pluck her away from her surroundings. Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Review: The moving ‘Too Late to Die Young’ opens a window on a lost Chilean summer," 6 June 2019 Richard DeVicariis projects eloquence in the role of a mystery writer. Tom Titus, Daily Pilot, "On Theater: ‘Bad Seed’ still a good chiller," 16 July 2019 Thanks to Jefferson’s eloquence and the fame of the Declaration, July 4th prevailed as the day to commemorate American independence. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, "‘Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations’ — A Brief History of the Fourth of July," 4 July 2019 There are people who regard Natan Sharansky — for his courage and eloquence in Soviet days; for his perpetual advocacy of freedom and democracy, for people everywhere — as one of the great figures of the age. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, "A Chat with Sharansky," 17 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eloquence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of eloquence

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for eloquence

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin ēloquentia, noun derivative of ēloquent-, ēloquens "capable of speech, expressing oneself fluently, eloquent"

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More Definitions for eloquence

eloquence

noun

English Language Learners Definition of eloquence

: the ability to speak or write well and in an effective way

eloquence

noun
el·​o·​quence | \ ˈe-lÉ™-kwÉ™ns How to pronounce eloquence (audio) \

Kids Definition of eloquence

1 : speaking or writing that is forceful and convincing
2 : the ability to speak or write with force and in a convincing way

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