sermonize

[ sur-muh-nahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, ser·mon·ized, ser·mon·iz·ing.

1. to deliver or compose a sermon; preach.

verb (used with object)

, ser·mon·ized, ser·mon·iz·ing.

1. to give exhortation to; lecture.

sermonize

/ ˈsɜːməˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to talk to or address (a person or audience) as if delivering a sermon

Derived Forms

• ˈsermonˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• sermon·izer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sermonize¹

First recorded in 1625–35; sermon + -ize

Example Sentences

Johnson said he didn’t mean to sermonize but it’s clear he’s the kind of artist who sees the stage as a pulpit and the arena as a church.

From Seattle Times

In other moments, though, modern lingo and mismatched performances make “Manhunt” feel uncomfortably like “Drunk History,” particularly when characters are either crying or sermonizing.

From New York Times

This type of sermonizing language hardly shocks his fervent followers, who might indeed believe that there is an evil entity in the world, possessing the ability to deceive anyone.

From Salon

As a character, Miss Liza Jane combines the hauteur of opera diva Jessye Norman and the sermonizing wisdom of Maya Angelou.

From Los Angeles Times

At times, Christian movies can feel formulaic and forced, sometimes preferring sermonizing to storytelling.

From Washington Times