Expostulate

Quick meaning: Expostulate is a verb meaning (intransitive) To protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct [(often) with with].

Meaning

(intransitive) To protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct [(often) with with].

Example Sentences

Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong.

[…] he affectionately loved many persons to whom he never or hardly ever shewed a countenance of love. Once on my venturing to expostulate with him on the subject, he reminded me of Solomon: “Many sons I have; it is not fit that I should smile on them.”

The tears would run plentifully down my face when I made these reflections; and sometimes I would expostulate with myself why Providence should thus completely ruin His creatures, and render them so absolutely miserable; so without help, abandoned, so entirely depressed, that it could hardly be rational to be thankful for such a life.

Word Forms

• expostulates
• expostulating
• expostulated

Synonyms for expostulate

Depending on context, synonyms include challenge, demur, except, inveigh, kick, object.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include remonstrate, exhort, repostulate, redargue, preach, reprove.

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