Phrase guide

speak for

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see speak, for.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To speak on somebody's behalf.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I think I speak for the whole group when I say that we're glad you came.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To claim, reserve, or occupy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Be sure to speak for a seat early, if you plan to attend.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bespeak, engage, reserve

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To represent an intrinsic quality

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • You really do deserve to be published - your recent articles speak for themselves.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

be a spokesperson for

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He represents the Government's position

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: represent

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.