declamatory

American  

[dih-klam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / dɪˈklæm əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by declamation.

2. merely oratorical or rhetorical; stilted.

   a pompous, declamatory manner of speech.

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declamatory British  

/ dɪˈklæmətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. relating to or having the characteristics of a declamation

2. merely rhetorical; empty and bombastic

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Other Word Forms

• declamatorily adverb
• nondeclamatory adjective
• superdeclamatory adjective
• undeclamatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of declamatory

1575–85; < Latin dēclāmātōrius, equivalent to dēclāmā ( re ) ( declaim ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Explanation

If you say something declamatory, it's full of passion and bluster, like your declamatory speech in debate club about the poor nutritional quality of your school's lunches. Things that are declamatory are strongly felt and expressed with intensity, and they're usually spoken aloud (and loudly). Sometimes this adjective has negative connotations, implying bluster and bombast: "Your essay is so long and declamatory, I felt like I was being shouted at by a showoff." Something declamatory can be called a declamation. The Latin root, declamare, means "to practice public speaking."

Example Sentences

These sound particularly good in Morgan’s mouth, with his non-actory, declamatory way of speaking.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Surprising because the artists, Patrisse Cullors and noé olivas, are known for their activism and social engagement, and because the works in the show, “Freedom Portals,” reject the strident, declamatory tenor of much political art.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2023

The draft feels like a café napkin sketch: schematic and brutally declamatory — the dialogue a parody of existentialist theater shouted through a bullhorn.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2023

Aldridge favored a relatively realistic approach — a striking contrast to the more declamatory, posturing star turns then in vogue.

From Washington Post • Jun. 21, 2022

The Italian in England would remember and feel again the excitement of danger, and gratitude for delivery; but he would not employ descriptive gestures and declamatory presentation as if delivering an oration.

From Browning and the Dramatic Monologue by Curry, S. S. (Samuel Silas)