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Dictionary.com
Definitions

speak for

VERB
advocate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back campaign for defend encourage favor further justify press for promote propose push recommend support tout uphold urge
STRONG
advance advise bless bolster boost champion countenance plug side vindicate
WEAK
argue for be in corner brace up build up get on bandwagon give a leg up give a lift go for go to bat for go with hold with plead for plump for ride shotgun for root for run interference for say so spread around stump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block conceal condemn deny disapprove discourage dissuade hide hinder hurt oppose refuse reject
STRONG
decrease halt prevent undermine
WEAK
assail attack criticize impugn protest
VERB
promote
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advance advertise advocate benefit bolster boost build up cooperate develop encourage endorse further improve popularize publicize push push for sell soft sell speed sponsor stimulate support uphold urge
STRONG
aid assist avail back befriend champion contribute cry espouse forward foster hype nourish nurture patronize plug press-agent propagandize puff recommend serve subsidize succor
WEAK
call attention to get behind work for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block cease conceal decrease delay depress disapprove discourage dissuade halt harm hide hinder hurt impede injure lessen let down obstruct oppose prevent protest reject repress stop undermine weaken
STRONG
deprive ignore neglect starve take withhold
WEAK
condemn degrade demote discredit dishonor
VERB
represent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
mean perform produce serve serve as show
STRONG
be betoken body copy embody enact epitomize equal equate exemplify exhibit express factor imitate impersonate personify reproduce stage substitute typify
WEAK
act as act as broker act for act in place of appear as assume the role of be agent for be attorney for be proxy for buy for correspond to do business for emblematize hold office play the part put on sell for stand for steward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
refuse
STRONG
be original differ imbalance oppose reverse stop
VERB
urge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advise advocate appeal to ask commend compel endorse exhort favor force implore press promote prompt propose push recommend request support
STRONG
adjure advance attract beseech champion charge conjure counsel countenance drive entreat further goad hasten impel incite induce influence inspire instigate maneuver move plead propel rationalize sanction solicit spur stimulate tempt wheedle
WEAK
egg on fire up insist on put up to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
censure condemn criticize deny disapprove discourage dissuade hinder hurt let go oppose protest pull refuse reject reply stop
STRONG
check delay halt prevent repress repulse retreat

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.

You let your skill and leadership on the ice speak for how you will be remembered by hockey fans in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

These masterpieces speak for themselves, but they can tell us only so much about the Celts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

A well-funded brokerage account does not automatically grant someone the legal right to speak for you in an emergency room.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Although I no longer get breathless when talking, thanks to voice therapy, I lose my voice completely if I speak for too long.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

“My son,” she said, “may I speak for your honor and for Athens?”

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton