sermonize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sermonize" is a correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an instance of trying to persuade or influence someone with a moralistic or technical argument. For example, "My friend sermonized about the importance of healthy eating, but I still couldn't be convinced to give up my favorite fast food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Criticism of its tendency to sermonize has been matched by praise of its insight and stylistic effectiveness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Banner was a sweaty, headbanging yeller, spraying the audience with champagne and water — he seemed to have a particularly good time performing a snippet of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" for the "white folks" — and then repeatedly stopping the show so he could sit down on a stool and sermonize.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama's remarks at Vermont Avenue Baptist, which was founded by freed slaves in 1866, came a day before the federal holiday to honor the slain civil rights leader; the president noted that Dr. King himself had come to the historic sanctuary to "sermonize from time to time".

The New York Times

He doesn't moralize or sermonize, and famously said, when asked about gays, "Who am I to judge?" Is this pope Catholic?

The New York Times

The value of moral harrumphing is rather minimal, and though, as an ex-fundamentalist, I can sermonize with the best of them, I will spare you my tiny outburst of dudgeon.

The New York Times

I don't mean to sermonize.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Its blend of Scottish ghoulishness and brisk sermonizing is presented in Shakespearean rhythms with a certain natural cheerfulness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sermonizes about "the implacable wrath in my heart", and how's he haunted by his victim's "strawberry-type birthmark".

Independent

Despite talk of the Internet as a site of quickly glimpsed imagery and viral cat videos, a solid core of old-fashioned moralizing, even sermonizing, punditry is part of the daily burden it presents.

The New Yorker

In the early days, he sermonized against the gentrification of Times Square, often using the Disney Store as a pulpit.

The New Yorker

Indeed, he is the action literature he sought to produce: restless, raw, sermonizing, reactive, a successor to the transcendentalists Bronson Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne, men who wrote about the filth of their civilization because they couldn't stand to live with anything less than pure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sermonize" when you want to describe someone speaking in a moralizing or didactic manner, often resembling a sermon. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being preachy or self-righteous.

Common error

Avoid using "sermonize" in casual conversations or informal writing. The word carries a formal, sometimes negative, connotation. Opt for alternatives like "advise", "explain", or "lecture" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sermonize" is as a verb. It describes the act of speaking or writing in a manner resembling a sermon, often with the intention of imparting moral or religious instruction. Ludwig shows examples where it describes everything from political speeches to artistic expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sermonize" functions as a verb describing speech or writing that resembles a sermon, often with moral or instructive intentions. While grammatically correct, it can carry a connotation of being preachy or self-righteous. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly within news and media. When using "sermonize", be mindful of the context to avoid unintended negative implications. Alternatives like "moralize" or "lecture" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Ensure your tone aligns with your intended message to effectively communicate without sounding overly didactic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preachify

A less common synonym that emphasizes the act of preaching, often in a tedious or unwelcome manner.

moralize

Focuses on giving moral lessons or expressing moral judgments.

lecture

Implies giving a serious or formal speech, often with the intention of instructing or correcting.

pontificate

Suggests expressing opinions in a dogmatic and self-important way.

harangue

Denotes a lengthy and aggressive speech, often intended to persuade or criticize.

exhort

Means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, often with moral or religious overtones.

admonish

Implies gently but firmly warning or reprimanding someone.

give a sermon

Directly refers to delivering a religious speech, highlighting the act of preaching.

address didactically

Highlights the instructional and sometimes preachy nature of the communication.

inculcate values

Focuses on instilling specific values or principles through persistent teaching and repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "sermonize" in a sentence?

You can use "sermonize" to describe someone speaking in a manner similar to a sermon, often with moralistic undertones. For example, "The politician began to "sermonize" about the importance of family values".

What are some alternatives to "sermonize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "moralize", "lecture", or "preachify" instead of "sermonize".

What does it mean to "sermonize"?

"Sermonize" means to speak or write in the style of a sermon, often with the intent to give moral advice or instruction. It can sometimes imply a preachy or self-righteous tone.

Is it always negative to say someone is "sermonizing"?

Not always, but it often carries a negative connotation. While "sermonize" can simply describe the act of speaking like a preacher, it frequently implies that the speaker is being overly moralistic, preachy, or self-righteous. The connotation depends heavily on the context.