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
Relevance
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
That rhetoric largely continued in the wake of the plea deals for two of the individuals involved in the shooting.
—
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
This kind of rhetoric is exactly what has inspired three assassination attempts in two years against our President.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The candidates returned to themes and rhetoric that have animated their campaigns.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Mahan, 43, might have won the night for those who prefer clear and concise rhetoric.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
This kind of rhetoric is exactly what has inspired three assassination attempts in two years against our President.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The candidates returned to themes and rhetoric that have animated their campaigns.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Mahan, 43, might have won the night for those who prefer clear and concise rhetoric.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
-
The highest risk of fire weather is currently expected on Saturday and Sunday, when winds of 15 to 30 mph are expected, with isolated gusts up to 50 mph.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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Crawford’s blast looked like a routine fly ball off the bat, but the ball was hit high enough to pick up the gusting winds and carried into the first row of the center field bleachers 403 feet from home plate.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
There is Persian mythology and mysticism in the film, and ruins in Persian poetry are very significant places.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
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Urrea is a Guggenheim Fellow who has authored 19 books, many of which have won awards for poetry, fiction and essays, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Noun
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And Bianco’s rhetoric about forcing changes in state law enforcement — especially on immigration — without the cooperation of Democratic supermajorities in the Legislature is authoritarian nonsense.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
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There’s still all this nonsense about the temptation of the female body, and the need for nuns to shield themselves from prying eyes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Analysts have repeatedly warned that if the war drags on and supply chains are disrupted for long enough, prices for gas and a range of other goods could continue to climb.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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High gas prices hit American wallets immediately, and big signs with $4 gas plastered all over town serve as a constant reminder about how much folks have to shell out for fuel.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Having fronted her own namesake folk-jazz outfit, launched electronic side project Donbasgrl, and recorded an EP with Italian film composer Stefano Lentini, Leléka undeniably has a rich musical heritage.—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
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The jazz quartet interprets the work of Thelonious Monk, expanding classic compositions into absorbing experimental journeys that stretch beyond free jazz.—
Levi Dayan,
Pitchfork,
11 May 2026
Noun
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But those seemed better suited to people who wanted to win hearts and minds through stirring oratory.—
Eli Durst,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Others are former legacy news anchors, who have gained traction by slinging challenging oratory.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
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Brian Gibson’s gangrenous bass riffs and gibbering, muffled vocals have even more gonzo energy than usual, while Chippendale mixes bombast and finesse with his customary flair.—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
24 Apr. 2026
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.—
Philip Kennicott,
Washington Post,
6 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Rhetoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetoric. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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