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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


expostulate

verb

Definition: to express disagreement or disapproval, especially to prevent someone from doing something

Synonyms: dissuade, oppose, protest, discourage, remonstrate, argue

Antonyms: approve, encourage

Tips: One expostulates "with" a friend or acquaintance to deter the person from an unwise course of action. It is not an accusation but an argument against something. In a second use, expostulate can be used as a more sophisticated way of saying "disagree or argue." For example, you would expostulate with your waiter over your bill if you disagreed with it.

Usage Examples:

The young man found that expostulating with his football coach on the strenuous nature of the workouts was counterproductive. (protesting, arguing)

Please expostulate your niece from whining! (dissuade, discourage)

I expostulated with my high-school-age daughter not to have sex until she was older. (argued, discouraged her against)

I expostulated with him the merits of going to a community college versus an Ivy League school. (argued, remonstrated)


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