1 spoken | Definition of spoken

spoken

adjective
spo·​ken | \ ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio) \

Definition of spoken

1 : delivered by word of mouth : oral
2 : characterized by speaking in (such) a manner used in combination soft-spokenplainspoken

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Synonyms & Antonyms for spoken

Synonyms

nuncupative, oral, unwritten, verbal, viva voce, word-of-mouth

Antonyms

paper, written

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Examples of spoken in a Sentence

a spoken agreement is too easily broken a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Recent Examples on the Web

The soft-spoken man with the crooked smile and bright blue eyes wants to change the way the world thinks about his father. Los Angeles Times, "Mass murderer? Cult leader? Musician? Charles Manson’s son wrestles with father’s legacy," 18 July 2019 More than 40 million people in the United States speak Spanish, making it the second-most spoken language in the country behind English. Jennifer Medina, New York Times, "Do Latino Voters Really Care if the 2020 Candidates Speak Spanish?," 5 July 2019 Surrounded by his parents Jim and Jan, coach Jon Coffman, teammates, Purdue Fort Wayne Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer and city employees, the soft-spoken, team-first player was the star of the day. Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, "Fort Wayne connection leads big-time agent to small-school star John Konchar," 18 June 2019 In fact, the emotional expressiveness in signing can make spoken language seem inadequate by comparison. Philip Brandes, latimes.com, "The 99 Seat Beat: 'Big Fish' at the Chance in Anaheim, free Shakespeare in Griffith Park," 6 July 2018 Despite being the circuit’s most soft-spoken player, Naomi Osaka is a champion of the press conference. Kevin Nguyen, GQ, "Naomi Osaka Is the Coolest Thing in Tennis," 24 May 2018 Bates-Diop, perhaps the most soft-spoken player on team, handled the mic well, speaking highly of his close relationship with Tate and saying Holtmann should win Big Ten Coach of the Year. cleveland.com, "Ohio State basketball: Watch Jae'Sean Tate, Keita Bates-Diop, Andrew Dakich, Kam Williams Senior Night speeches," 20 Feb. 2018 Carson, the most soft-spoken member of the group and a walking encyclopedia of music history, has a more modern take on style. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Meet Midland, the Stylish Heartthrobs Who Will Make You Like Country Music," 26 Jan. 2018 Johnson was soft-spoken, not a fire-and-brimstone captain. Kevin Allen, USA TODAY, "Greg Johnson, who played for Nashville Predators and three other NHL teams, dies at 48," 2 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spoken.' 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 spoken

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for spoken

past participle of speak

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More Definitions for spoken

spoken

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of spoken

: using speech and not writing
: speaking in a specified manner

spoken

Kids Definition of spoken

 (Entry 1 of 2)

past participle of speak

spoken

adjective
spo·​ken | \ ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio) \

Kids Definition of spoken (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : expressed in speech : oral a spoken message
2 : used in speaking the spoken language
3 : speaking in a specified manner soft-spoken

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More from Merriam-Webster on spoken

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with spoken

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spoken

Spanish Central: Translation of spoken

Nglish: Translation of spoken for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of spoken for Arabic Speakers