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
For all the government’s rhetoric and commitment to a decades-old revolution, Cubans see a much-vaunted medical system that is failing, unable to provide drugs, procedures — or even electricity.
—
Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
In some accounts of American history, the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin decisively turned public opinion against slavery, accomplishing what pamphlets and political rhetoric could not.
—Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Though not current policy, the rhetoric matters.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan remain a point of friction and the rhetoric over the corridor has not died down.
—Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
In some accounts of American history, the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin decisively turned public opinion against slavery, accomplishing what pamphlets and political rhetoric could not.
—Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
Though not current policy, the rhetoric matters.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan remain a point of friction and the rhetoric over the corridor has not died down.
—Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
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In an early morning advisory, hurricane center forecasters said Priscilla was located about 230 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph with higher gusts.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The Trail Ridge Road in Colorado winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, displaying beautiful fall foliage views along the way.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Of course Swift’s legion of devotees would scoff at the notion that their heroine was anything but a pop goddess, their very own Glinda the Good Witch sent to comfort with lyrical poetry and aid crumpled hearts.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Verbatim Reginald Dwayne Betts A 2012 essay from the American Poetry Review on poetry and the architecture of anger.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Packers gonna Packers, but at least Doubs is clear of that nonsense.—
Jess Bryant,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Assembly Bill 325 is economically illiterate nonsense that attempts to ban the use of pricing algorithms that help businesses determine prices.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hollub said the deal helps Oxy focus on its core oil and gas business, especially in the booming Permian, while strengthening its financial position through debt reduction.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Cha 1107-7626 is surrounded by a disk of gas and dust, which constantly falls onto the planet and accumulates during a process that astronomers call accretion.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The jazz crooner died of a heart attack six years later in 1973 at age 37, while recovering from open-heart surgery.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
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And jazz-pop newcomer Laufey has made her mark by blending timeless sounds with Gen Z realities, building a strong audience of fans of her work and admirers of her musical ability.—
Maura Johnston,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Known for his extraordinary oratory skills, everyone who has been around Levy has a story to tell about his Marvisms and motivational speeches.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Her brand at the time was something like the Obama of the antipodes: a liberal media darling, icon of the global anti-Trump resistance, transitioning smoothly from lofty oratory to easygoing relatability.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
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The president’s bombast and capriciousness have led many European countries to increase their defense spending—a positive outcome, to be sure, and not inherently at odds with the notion of a unified, geopolitical West.—
Stewart Patrick,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Sep. 2025
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Ciel Dubai Marina This record-breaking approach is emblematic of the intent and sheer bombast with which Dubai is reshaping the travel and tourism market, with a strong focus on foreign investment and wealthy visitors.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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 9 Oct. 2025.
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