1
as in wind
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the mayor's promise to fight drugs was just rhetoric, since there was no money in the city budget for a drug program
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in poetry
the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way
great leaders have often been masters of rhetoric, which they have used for both good and ill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rhetoric
The New York Times, meanwhile, reports that government officials have escalated their rhetoric against Anthropic over the weekend and that tensions between the two parties are expected to persist in the near future.
—
John Kell,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
The reprimands have gone beyond rhetoric.
—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Take the quiz here … WATCH VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Political violence and rhetoric in US are out of control.
—
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
The problem with Fishback’s ideas is that many spring from rage-baiting rhetoric that has little to do with Florida’s current reality— but could attract people who might not otherwise vote.
—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
John Kell,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
The reprimands have gone beyond rhetoric.
—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Take the quiz here … WATCH VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Political violence and rhetoric in US are out of control.
—
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
The problem with Fishback’s ideas is that many spring from rage-baiting rhetoric that has little to do with Florida’s current reality— but could attract people who might not otherwise vote.
—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
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That’s because the costs of plunging back into the conflict now are prohibitive for both the US and Iran and that comes against the backdrop of some heady domestic political winds ahead of the midterms.
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Most of the area will stay dry for a majority of the day, however, a few isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon could present frequent lightning and strong winds.
Noun
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Her new album, Fata Morgana, uses an array of cascading rhythms, impish hooks, and fierce poetry to interrogate her place in a corrupt American society.
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Avelar is a part of an extracurricular program run by America SCORES Bay Area, a nonprofit that allows students to learn and play the sport of soccer, as well as honing some of their academic skills through poetry.
Noun
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Not only is that nonsense, but Israel took this into account.
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Get outta here with that nonsense.
Noun
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That campaign has upended daily life for people on the peninsula, resulting in frequent drone strikes, a ban on gas sales to ordinary residents, and the suspension of summer camps for children.
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The costs of rent, gas and food all got more expensive in May, according to Labor Department data.
Noun
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Piano jazz drifted among the grape vines, hedgerows, and bright-pink mandevilla.
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Davis, a five-time Grammy Award winner, played a key role in furthering the work of artists across genres — R&B, jazz, rock, country and hip-hop, as well as some of pop's biggest stars.
Noun
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Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries.
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Dogra was on the speech and debate team, competing in original oratory and original advocacy and serving as speech captain during her junior and senior years.
Noun
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Victor Lindelof’s pre-match comments smacked of bombast and confidence, the sort of words which are said but not meant, platitudes used to motivate rather than to be sworn under oath.
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The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
Noun
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Freed of the architectural fustian of the Frick’s Gilded Age home, the art breathes anew, each painting in its own world rather than entwined with others as part of a decorative ensemble.
Cite this Entry
“Rhetoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetoric. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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