What is another word for pontificating?

Pronunciation: [pəntˈɪfɪkˌe͡ɪtɪŋ] (IPA)

Pontificating is a word that refers to the act of expressing opinions in a pompous or arrogant way. This verbose style of speaking can be replaced with other synonyms that capture the same meaning. Some examples of synonyms for pontificating include grandstanding, bloviating, sermonizing, soapboxing, and declaiming. Nevertheless, these words are still associated with negative connotations, which may imply an authoritarian or overbearing attitude. Other words that can be used instead include lecturing, haranguing, expounding, proselytizing, orating, and dogmatizing. However, the tone and context can influence the way these synonyms are perceived by different audiences. Overall, the choice of synonym for pontificating should reflect the desired level of persuasion, expertise, or leadership.

What are the hypernyms for Pontificating?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for pontificating?

Antonyms for the word "pontificating" include humble, modest, unassuming, and meek. Whereas pontificating implies a display of one's authority or knowledge in a pretentious or self-important manner, being humble suggests having a modest and unassuming demeanor without showing off one's achievements or abilities. Similarly, being meek denotes a gentle and submissive character and is opposite to the arrogant and self-assertive approach of pontificating. Therefore, antonyms of pontificating represent a more reserved and respectful approach towards others without imposing personal beliefs on them. Such behavior leads to developing better relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

What are the antonyms for Pontificating?

Usage examples for Pontificating

Just the thing for Schoolmaster Staur pontificating in his armchair.
"Look Back on Happiness"
Knut Hamsun
To my mind it shows the uselessness of pontificating about what man is and always will be from what we observe man to be doing, or about what are the necessary conditions of society.
"Public Opinion"
Walter Lippmann
Not that he did not still like his work, or possibly pontificating every morning over his famous name to an admiring public, but he was tired of "the crowd," the same old faces, tired of the steady grind, of bad plays-he, who had such a passionate love of the drama-somewhat tired of himself.
"Black Oxen"
Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton

Famous quotes with Pontificating

  • You have to figure out who the right person is to tell the story. And often, people who are very self-aware will only sound as if they are pontificating if they tell the story.
    Ann Beattie
  • It is good a philosopher should remind himself, now and then, that he is a particle pontificating on infinity.
    Ariel Durant
  • There are two Americas. One is the America of Lincoln and Adlai Stevenson; the other is the America of Teddy Roosevelt and the modern superpatriots. One is generous and humane, the other narrowly egotistical; one is self-critical, the other self-righteous; one is sensible, the other romantic; one is good-humored, the other solemn; one is inquiring, the other pontificating; one is moderate, the other filled with passionate intensity; one is judicious and the other arrogant in the use of great power.
    J. William Fulbright
  • The man who speaks and writes about art should refrain from censuring or pontificating. He will thus avoid doing anything foolish, for in the presence of primordial depth all art is but dream and nature.
    Jean Arp

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