1 expostulate | Definition of expostulate
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

expostulate

verb
ex·​pos·​tu·​late | \ ik-ˈspäs-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce expostulate (audio) \
expostulated; expostulating; expostulates

Definition of expostulate

transitive verb

obsolete : discuss, examine

intransitive verb

: to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about expostulate

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for expostulate

Synonyms

demur, except, kick, object, protest, remonstrate

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of expostulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 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, "Stipe Miocic Knows UFC 226 Loss to Daniel Cormier Came Down to ‘One Shot’," 14 Aug. 2019

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

First Known Use of expostulate

1573, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for expostulate

Latin expostulatus, past participle of expostulare to demand, dispute, from ex- + postulare to ask for — more at postulate

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for expostulate

expostulate

verb
How to pronounce expostulate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of expostulate

formal : to disagree with something or argue against it

See the full definition for expostulate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on expostulate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with expostulate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for expostulate

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!