What does "honey-mouthed" mean?
(in a positive sense) Having a sweet and smooth voice; eloquent.
Honey-mouthed
adj
adj ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: (in a positive sense) Having a sweet and smooth voice; eloquent.
- Grammar: honey-mouthed is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: bland, complimentary, courtly, disarming.
- Usage evidence: 1627, John Donne, Fifty Sermons, London: M.F., J. Marriot & R. Royston, 1649, Volume 2, Sermon 42, p. 386, Truely, when I reade a Sermon of Chrysostome, or of Chrysologus, or of Ambrose, Men, who carry in the very signification of their Names, and in their Histories, the attributes of Hony mouthed, and Golden-mouthed Men, I finde my selfe oftentimes, more affected, with the very Citation, and Application of some sentence of Scripture, in the middest or end of one of their Sermons, then with any witty, or forcible passage of their owne.
How to use "honey-mouthed"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "honey-mouthed" 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 "honey-mouthed" 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
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "honey-mouthed" is acting as adj 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 "bland" 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 "honey-mouthed", 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
Adjective
- 1 (in a positive sense) Having a sweet and smooth voice; eloquent. idiomatic
"1627, John Donne, Fifty Sermons, London: M.F., J. Marriot & R. Royston, 1649, Volume 2, Sermon 42, p. 386, Truely, when I reade a Sermon of Chrysostome, or of Chrysologus, or of Ambrose, Men, who carry in the very signification of their Names, and in their Histories, the attributes of Hony mouthed, and Golden-mouthed Men, I finde my selfe oftentimes, more affected, with the very Citation, and Application of some sentence of Scripture, in the middest or end of one of their Sermons, then with any witty, or forcible passage of their owne."
- 2 (in a negative sense) Indirect, delivering a message in a way that will make it seem more pleasant to the hearer(s); seductive, persuasive. idiomatic
"Now to thintent thou mayest playnly beholde and Iudge rightly of these hony mouthed false feynyng flatterours and auncient enemyes of Christes religion the better and more readily […]"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"1627, John Donne, Fifty Sermons, London: M.F., J. Marriot & R. Royston, 1649, Volume 2, Sermon 42, p. 386, Truely, when I reade a Sermon of Chrysostome, or of Chrysologus, or of Ambrose, Men, who carry in the very signification of their Names, and in their Histories, the attributes of Hony mouthed, and Golden-mouthed Men, I finde my selfe oftentimes, more affected, with the very Citation, and Application of some sentence of Scripture, in the middest or end of one of their Sermons, then with any witty, or forcible passage of their owne."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "honey-mouthed"?
Common synonyms include: bland, complimentary, courtly, disarming, fair spoken, fawning.
How do you use "honey-mouthed" in a sentence?
1627, John Donne, Fifty Sermons, London: M.F., J. Marriot & R. Royston, 1649, Volume 2, Sermon 42, p. 386, Truely, when I reade a Sermon of Chrysostome, or of Chrysologus, or of Ambrose, Men, who carry in the very signification of their Names, and in their Histories, the attributes of Hony mouthed, and Golden-mouthed Men, I finde my selfe oftentimes, more affected, with the very Citation, and Application of some sentence of Scripture, in the middest or end of one of their Sermons, then with any witty, or forcible passage of their owne.
Etymology
From honey + mouthed.