1
as in speaking
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
an English professor who loves to descant on his beloved Shakespeare
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in chanting
to produce musical sounds with the voice
the world-famous soprano descanted above the melody line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descanting
Verb
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But even speaking to a friendly interviewer, Kerr sounds like a guy backing off.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026 -
Beinart apologized to his left-wing critics for speaking in Tel Aviv.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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During the last international break, when Germany faced Ghana in Stuttgart, the crowd at the Neckarstadion spent much of the evening chanting for Undav’s introduction from the bench.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Padres fans packed Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú for the Mexico City Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, cheering and chanting while making new friends far from home.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At Yale, where Garber began her career, Jacques Derrida was a frequent visitor, and Paul de Man might be found down the corridor solemnly lecturing on Nietzsche.—
Charlie Tyson,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
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How do teachers carry on teaching, lecturing, checking homework and having students prepare for assessments, and how do students enjoy the pleasures that extracurricular activities bring?—
Jerald McNair,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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My issue is that over the years, my massage therapist has started talking to me more and more during the massage session and occasionally talks to me the entire session.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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To improve your sleep, the organization suggests minimizing disruptions before bed (yes, including screens) and talking to your doctor to solve any potential issues like sleep apnea.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Descanting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descanting. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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