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
On the one hand, this marks Lennon, for all his forward-looking rhetoric, as a man with one foot stuck in an older era (which is no crime).
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 May 2026
American manufacturers remain deeply dependent on Chinese supply chains despite years of rhetoric about decoupling the two economies.
—Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Indeed, his rhetoric seems to suggest that the Section 301 cases were chosen primarily to establish a permanent tariff regime by providing all-purpose bargaining leverage, not correcting damaging foreign trade practices.
—Kent Jones, The Conversation, 14 May 2026
Despite the sudden shift in rhetoric on this trip, there’s no going back to that simpler time.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 May 2026
American manufacturers remain deeply dependent on Chinese supply chains despite years of rhetoric about decoupling the two economies.
—Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Indeed, his rhetoric seems to suggest that the Section 301 cases were chosen primarily to establish a permanent tariff regime by providing all-purpose bargaining leverage, not correcting damaging foreign trade practices.
—Kent Jones, The Conversation, 14 May 2026
Despite the sudden shift in rhetoric on this trip, there’s no going back to that simpler time.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
-
The strongest winds are expected Saturday night through Sunday.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
-
An inspector can assess overall roof condition, age and visible storm damage, but a roofing specialist may be needed for a detailed hail or wind damage assessment.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 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
-
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
-
But anatomically speaking, this is absolute nonsense.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Travelers say they're done listening to the nonsense they've been fed.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
15 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 18 May. 2026.
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