Synonyms for sermon
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
2. Lecture — A lengthy speech of reproval
lecture, scolding, chiding, browbeating, dressing down, objurgation, berating
Definitions
- n. 1
A lengthy speech of reproval.
- n. 2
Religious discourse; a written or spoken address on a religious or moral matter.
Related words
- Word family
- sermonic sermonical sermonize
Forms
- Plural
- sermons → preachings, homilies, discourses, exhortations…
Example sentences
- discourse Algerian Islamists have a very radical discourse.
- preaching Layla walked around preaching at random strangers.
- homily Tom listened attentively to the priest's homily.
- exhortation What, then, is the exhortation I give you? I urge you to be saved.
- lecture I ought to have attended the lecture but I didn't.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| sermon | rising | |
| discourse | rising | |
| preaching | rising | |
| homily | rising | |
| exhortation | steady | |
| lecture | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 6 letters
- speech1, homily3
- 7 letters
- lecture2, oration3, chiding2
- 8 letters
- scolding2, berating3
- 9 letters
- discourse2, preaching2
- 11 letters
- exhortation4, browbeating, objurgation
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (homily3 = 3 syllables).