Synonyms

resonate

American

[rez-uh-neyt] / ˈrɛz əˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

to resound.
to act as a resonator; exhibit resonance.
Electronics. to reinforce oscillations because the natural frequency of the device is the same as the frequency of the source.
to amplify vocal sound by the sympathetic vibration of air in certain cavities and bony structures.
to produce a positive feeling, emotional response, or opinion.

an issue that clearly resonates with members of our community; a poem that resonates for me.

verb (used with object)

to cause to resound.

resonate British

/ ˈrɛzəˌneɪt /

verb

to resound or cause to resound; reverberate
(of a mechanical system, electrical circuit, chemical compound, etc) to exhibit or cause to exhibit resonance
to be understood or receive a sympathetic response

themes which will resonate with voters
to be filled with

simple words that seem to resonate with mystery and beauty

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of resonate

First recorded in 1870–75; from Latin resonātus “sounded again,” past participle of resonāre “to sound again”; see resound

Explanation

To resonate is to make, hear, or even understand a deep, full sound. Your speech about the dangers of scarves and convertibles will resonate with your audience if you tell the story of Isadora Duncan's death. The verb resonate, which comes from the Latin resonatum, first referred only to sound, but has now developed an emotional connotation. Resonate sounds a whole lot like another verb, resound, but they have subtly different meanings. Resound means “to repeat the sound,” but resonate means “to expand, amplify.” Sound can resonate when broadcast through speakers, and so can an idea or feeling, when expressed articulately or with passion.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sports brand strategist James Kirkham says adverts like these still resonate with fans.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

It isn’t yet clear if his allegations resonate broadly with the American public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

With a big opening weekend for “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act,” digital-native stories prove they can resonate at the box office — if they’re authentic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

They noted: "Through this deeply personal and powerful film, she gave audiences a story of identity, freedom, exile and resistance that continues to resonate across the world."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Nearly every month in 1919 included events that would resonate beyond that one year, bringing changes that echo into our own time.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023