What does "harangue" mean?
An impassioned, disputatious public speech.
Harangue
/həˈɹæŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An impassioned, disputatious public speech.
- Grammar: harangue is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: rant, address, after-dinner speech, allocution.
- Useful contrasts: balanced critique, calm, calm speech.
- Usage evidence: America's NATO allies have been shaken by Trump's harangue against them in Brussels over their underspending on defense, and his unrestrained effort to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Helsinki.
How to use "harangue"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "harangue" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "harangue" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "harangue" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "harangue" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "harangue" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "rant" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "harangue", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An impassioned, disputatious public speech.
- 2 a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion wordnet
- 3 A tirade, harsh scolding or rant, whether spoken or written.
"She gave her son a harangue about the dangers of playing in the street."
Verb
- 1 To give a forceful and lengthy lecture or criticism to someone. ambitransitive
"The angry motorist leapt from his car to harangue the other driver."
- 2 deliver a harangue to; address forcefully wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"America's NATO allies have been shaken by Trump's harangue against them in Brussels over their underspending on defense, and his unrestrained effort to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Helsinki."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "harangue"?
Common synonyms include: rant, address, after-dinner speech, allocution, assailing, assignment.
How do you use "harangue" in a sentence?
America's NATO allies have been shaken by Trump's harangue against them in Brussels over their underspending on defense, and his unrestrained effort to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Helsinki.
How do you pronounce "harangue"?
Pronounced /həˈɹæŋ/.
Etymology
From Middle English arang and French harangue, from Old Italian aringa (modern Italian arringa) from aringare (“speak in public”) (modern Italian arringare), from aringo (“public assembly”), from Gothic *𐌷𐍂𐌹𐌲𐌲𐍃 (*hriggs) or a compound containing it, akin to Old High German hring (“ring”) (whence German Ring).