soapbox

noun

soap·​box ˈsōp-ˌbäks How to pronounce soapbox (audio)
: an improvised platform used by a self-appointed, spontaneous, or informal orator
broadly : something that provides an outlet for delivering opinions
soapbox adjective

Examples of soapbox in a Sentence

some readers don't appreciate that she sometimes uses her book blog as a soapbox for her political views
Recent Examples on the Web There’s mild adventure and fear during the soapbox derby race. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 The two later become friends by teaming up in a soapbox derby, which requires them to spend time together building a vehicle. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 16 Feb. 2024 And so Stewart, 61, the disgruntled voice of outrage and humor, found a way back to his trusty soapbox. USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 And homeless people and soapbox orators are made unwelcome, because not doing that would be bad for business. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2024 Similar to the way X (formerly Twitter) offered Tucker Carlson a soapbox to broadcast from following his ouster from Fox News, the streaming platform is launching a trio of new shows built around former CNN journalist Don Lemon, ex-Representative Tulsi Gabbard, and sports radio host Jim Rome. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2024 Standing on a soapbox takes little energy or ingenuity. WSJ, 12 Dec. 2023 There, Etheridge tends to spend a great deal of time on her soapbox, which pulls the story away from the personal toward her feelings about drug policy and alternative medicine. Vulture, 29 Sep. 2023 In the years that followed Cofield’s first prison transfer, he was found with phones in his soapbox, taped around his waist, and inside his undershorts. Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soapbox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soapbox was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near soapbox

Cite this Entry

“Soapbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soapbox. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

soapbox

noun
soap·​box -ˌbäks How to pronounce soapbox (audio)
: something used as a platform (as on a street) by someone giving a speech to passersby
soapbox adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on soapbox

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!