Synonyms for

Speaking

Verb / ˈspi:kɪŋ / Another word for speaking — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the action of communicating or expressing one's thoughts or feelings in spoken language

Synonyms & similar words

verbalise mouth address speak talk verbalize nonspeaking utter speechmaking talking communicating addressing discussing conversing chattering chatting jabbering yakking articulating enunciating pronouncing uttering voicing verbalizing expressing saying telling stating declaring

Synonyms by register

Formal

articulating uttering vocalizing expressing

Informal

talking chatting jabbering spouting

Literary

eloquent orating discourse

Antonyms

silent quiet mute unspeaking reticent taciturn

Common collocations

  • speaking engagement
  • speaking freely
  • speaking out
  • speaking up
  • speaking to
  • speaking well
  • speaking volumes

Word family

noun speech
verb speak
adjective spoken
adverb verbally

Usage note

The word 'speaking' is the present participle of 'speak'. It can function as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund/participle acting as a noun or adjective. Be mindful of the context to distinguish its grammatical role.

Compare "speaking" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. She was speaking softly to the baby.
  2. He is speaking at the conference next week.
  3. We were speaking about our weekend plans.
  4. I enjoy speaking with my grandparents on the phone.
  5. She is fluent in speaking Spanish.

Quotes

  • "The more you speak, the more you will learn. The more you learn, the more you will realize how little you know." - Unknown
  • "Be mindful when it comes to your words, a string of some that don't mean much to you, may stick with someone else for a lifetime." - Rachel Wolchin
  • "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice." - Peggy O'Mara

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words