spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
Synonyms of spokennext
1
: delivered by word of mouth : oral
2
: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner
—used in combination
soft-spoken
plainspoken

Synonyms of spoken

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Examples of spoken in a Sentence

a spoken agreement is too easily broken a politician who knows the power of the spoken word
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Written language tends to employ more complex sentence structures and vocabulary than spoken language. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 While on the podcast, Wilde discussed wanting to make the unspoken punchlines as funny as the spoken ones, finding the humor in the unsaid moments of rage. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 The abbreviation dates to the early 20th century, and the spelling emcee emerged as the spoken form became a standalone noun and verb, meaning to host or present an event. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The soft-spoken, mild-mannered 44-year-old Belgian Italian designer has, this year, been creative director of the French mega-brand for a decade. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoken

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoken was in 1560

Phrases Containing spoken

Rhymes for spoken

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Browse Nearby Words

spokeless
spoken
spokeshave
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Cite this Entry

“Spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoken. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spoken

adjective
spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
1
: given by or using speech
a spoken message
the spoken language
2
: speaking in a specified manner
soft-spoken
plainspoken

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Nglish: Translation of spoken for Spanish Speakers

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