filibuster
1 synonym and 1 antonym for filibuster, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tactic used in a legislature — typically extended, often irrelevant speeches — to stall a vote or block a decision.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use filibuster
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stage a filibuster
threaten to filibuster
filibuster a bill
Etymology
From Spanish filibustero ("pirate"), itself from French flibustier, ultimately traced back to Dutch vrijbuiter — "freebooter" — the same root that gives English the word freebooter.
Full origin of filibuster →Frequently asked questions
What does “filibuster” mean?
The word “filibuster” means a tactic used in a legislature — typically extended, often irrelevant speeches — to stall a vote or block a decision. In plain terms, deliberately talking for a very long time in parliament or Congress to delay or block a vote.
How do you pronounce “filibuster”?
“Filibuster” is pronounced FIH-lih-buhs-tuh (/ˈfɪləˌbəstər/ in IPA).
How do you use “filibuster” in a sentence?
Here is “filibuster” used in a sentence: “The senator held the floor for twelve hours in a filibuster against the bill.”
What part of speech is “filibuster”?
Depending on how it is used, “filibuster” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “filibuster” come from?
The word “filibuster” comes from French. From Spanish filibustero ("pirate"), itself from French flibustier, ultimately traced back to Dutch vrijbuiter — "freebooter" — the same root that gives English the word freebooter.
How many meanings does “filibuster” have?
“Filibuster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tactic used in a legislature — typically extended, often irrelevant speeches — to stall a vote or block a decision.
