FUSTIAN Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

fustian 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fustian

as in rhetorical

marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases one of those fustian odes to patriotic duty that were so beloved by school teachers

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fustian

2 of 2

noun

ˈfəs-chən

as in rhetoric

language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere a speech awash in old-fashioned fustian and bereft of all substance

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fustian

Adjective

Aristotle was the first to systematically study the power of metaphor as a rhetorical device.

— Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
For more than two centuries, highlighting Washington’s antislavery bona fides has functioned as a politically convenient rhetorical tool.

— John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026

Definition of rhetorical

Noun

Now, the rhetoric has expanded beyond the candidates themselves, pulling Scholten — who is not running for governor — into the political crossfire.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026
In other words, Lander did not feel the need to appease the Zionist mob by softening his rhetoric.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Definition of rhetoric

Adjective

Leo opened his visit to Pompeii by meeting with sick and disabled people who are cared for by a charity center affiliated with the sanctuary, which Leo’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, declared a pontifical basilica in 1901.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
That public spat has overshadowed his pontifical tour of four African countries, which ended Thursday with a Mass for thousands of people in Malabo, the former capital of Equatorial Guinea.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of pontifical

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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fussy

fustian

fustigate

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“Fustian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fustian. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fustian

adjective

noun

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