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expostulation

[ ik-spos-chuh-ley-shuhn ]

/ ɪkˌspɒs tʃəˈleɪ ʃən /

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See synonyms for expostulation on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of expostulating; remonstrance; earnest and kindly protest: In spite of my expostulations, he insisted on driving me home.

an expostulatory remark or address.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of expostulation

1580–90; <Latin expostulātiōn- (stem of expostulātiō) complaint. See expostulate, -ion

Words nearby expostulation

exposome, ex post, ex post facto, ex post facto law, expostulate, expostulation, expostulatory, exposure, exposure dose, exposure index, exposure keratitis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use expostulation in a sentence

M. Roland was urged to present to the throne a most earnest letter of expostulation and advice.
Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott
Never, indeed, without persuasion on the part of his employer and expostulation on his own, did he consent to half-bind a book.
There and Back|George MacDonald
Mr. Tyrold forbore to chagrin him with any strong expostulation, and he returned, therefore, to Cleves in full glee.
Camilla|Fanny Burney
Expostulation was not of the slightest use, and sometimes it was all Richard could do to keep his hands off her.
There and Back|George MacDonald

It is no longer strong condemnation, but gentle expostulation; not dark threatening now, but tender pleading.
Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of Matthew|John Monro Gibson