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expostulatory

[ ik-spos-chuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ɪkˈspɒs tʃə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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adjective

expostulating; conveying expostulation.

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Also ex·pos·tu·la·tive

[ik-spos-chuh-ley-tiv]. /ɪkˈspɒs tʃəˌleɪ tɪv/.

Origin of expostulatory

First recorded in 1580–90; expostulate + -ory¹

Words nearby expostulatory

ex post, ex post facto, ex post facto law, expostulate, expostulation, expostulatory, exposure, exposure dose, exposure index, exposure meter, expound

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use expostulatory in a sentence

Columbus wrote on October 20 an expostulatory letter to Roldan.
Christopher Columbus and How He Received and Imparted the Spirit of Discovery|Justin Winsor
It never occurred to Shelley to take offence at the freedom of Godwins expostulatory letter.
The Real Shelley, Vol. II (of 2)|John Cordy Jeaffreson
It was evident that the men were disconcerted, and an expostulatory murmur rose from them.
The Greater Power|Harold Bindloss
He could hear them talking, Rouminof's voice thick and expostulatory, Charley's even and clear.
The Black Opal|Katharine Susannah Prichard

But the moment her minois mutin meets my eye, expostulatory words crowd to my lips.
Shirley|Charlotte Bront