How to Pronounce Nuclear

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How hard can it be to say the word “nuclear”? Actually, the correct pronunciation is debated. Most experts agree that one pronunciation is correct, but so many famous people say it another way that some dictionaries think both versions can be used.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Saying Nuclear Correctly

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  1. That will help you master the pronunciation. It’s the pronunciation of the second syllable that is in dispute.
    • The most widely accepted correct pronunciation of the word is “NEW-clee-er.” In this case (somewhat unusually), the word is spelled exactly how you are supposed to say it. Put the pronunciation on the first syllable. The "er" is pronounced like the "u" in the word "fur."
    • The pronunciation “NEW-clee-er” is widely regarded by experts as the “correct” pronunciation, even though another variant has been used so much by prominent people that, to some, it’s become another acceptable usage. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Second Pronunciation of the Word

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  1. Some people, including some very prominent people, incorrectly say “nuke-you-lerr” or “Nu-cu-lar.” [2]
    • The mispronunciation of nuclear is so common that it’s found its way into popular culture. In the 1989 Woody Allen film “Crimes and Misdemeanors," Mia Farrow’s character says she would not fall in love with a man who pronounced the word “nucular." Another version of this is “NOO-kyuh-lur.” [3]
    • President George W. Bush, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bill Clinton have pronounced the word this way in the past. President Jimmy Carter said “newkeeuh.” [4] Homer Simpson still says “nucular.”
  2. American dictionaries now recognize “NOO-kyuh-luhr” as an accepted variant of the word. That’s not the end of the story, though.
    • When a usage panel was convened by Harper Dictionary, members rejected this pronunciation 99 to 1. [5]
    • People might be confusing the word with words like “circular” and “secular.” At least one book attempted to argue the presidential versions were actually correct and that weapons labs since WW2 used the “nucular” pronunciation. It’s not a settled issue, though, so if you want to be safe, say, “NEW-clee-er.” [6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Mastering Differences in Dialects

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  1. The word “nuclear” is pronounced differently in different English-speaking regions of the world." [7]
    • In the United States, the word is pronounced “NEW-klee-er” with the emphasis on the first syllable.
    • However, in the United Kingdom, the word is pronounced “New-KLEE-ah” with the emphasis on the second syllable. The “r” sound at the end of the word is not as pronounced as it is in American English . [8]

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  • Question
    How can one approach pronouncing challenging words like "nuclear," especially if they have speech difficulties?
    Stephanie Jeret
    Speech-Language Pathologist
    Stephanie Jeret is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in Northeastern Illinois. She works with children who stutter, have receptive/expressive language difficulties, and have articulation disorders/delays. She also works with adults who present with dysarthria, apraxia, aphasia, executive function disorder, and stuttering. She is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and received their ACE Award for excellence in continuing education. She is also PROMPT Bridge Trained, Lidcombe Trained, and Lee Silverman Voice Therapy Certified. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College.
    Stephanie Jeret
    Speech-Language Pathologist
    Expert Answer
    I totally understand how some words like "nuclear" can be tough to pronounce, especially if you have speech difficulties. Breaking it into syllables can help — try saying "nu" and "clear" separately, then combine them. Clapping out the syllables helps, too. If stuttering is a problem, take a deep breath first and go slower when you say it. Reducing pressure on your mouth parts, like where your tongue meets the roof, is good, too. Be patient with yourself, and keep practicing. It's fine to get help from a coach or use pronunciation tools. With time and the right strategies, you'll get there.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    So, I can really say this word either way?
    Community Answer
    Well, you risk more people thinking you are wrong if you say "nucular," and they might laugh at you. So, if you want to err on the side of caution, say "NEW-clee-er" and no one can argue the point.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 21
  • Question
    Why are you attempting to justify the obvious mispronunciation of the word nuclear?
    Community Answer
    Language changes. There is no "right" way, only more common/less common usages. Some usages carry class connotations.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pronunciation, check out our in-depth interview with Stephanie Jeret .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/13/weekinreview/confronting-noo-kyuh-luhr-proliferation.html?_r=0
      2. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/english/nuclear
      3. ↑ https://www.pbs.org/speak/speech/beastly/#Nuclear
      4. ↑ https://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~nunberg/nucular.html
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/13/weekinreview/confronting-noo-kyuh-luhr-proliferation.html?_r=0
      6. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2010/02/18/bush-and-carters-nuclear-pronunciation-might-be-right
      7. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/english/nuclear
      8. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/english/nuclear

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