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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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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
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
-
With maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the system is moving to the north-northwest at 15 mph.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
New album, new book Anderson will embark on an acoustic tour this fall, showcasing not only his deeply personal project but also a book of poetry written by his wife.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Oct. 2025
-
With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
9 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
-
These gases together have driven roughly 22 percent of global warming since 1850.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Some startups are turning these advances into real technologies – from storing gases more safely, to pulling clean water straight from desert air, to building more energy-efficient air conditioners.—
Stavroula Alina Kampouri,
The Conversation,
9 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
-
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
-
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
-
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 12 Oct. 2025.
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