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
One reason for this recurrent rhetoric is that few Americans today see themselves as opposed to the maximization of either alternatives from which to make selections or occasions to do so.
—
Sophia Rosenfeld
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Incidents were categorized as left-wing if they were motivated by a number of factors, including resistance to capitalism, support for LGBTQ rights, black nationalism and anti-fascist rhetoric.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
After a shooter opened fire at an ICE field office, killing a detainee and wounding two others, conservative leaders from Texas to Washington were quick to accuse the left of violent rhetoric that contributed to the attack, though no motives were immediately known.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025
This shooting must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Sophia Rosenfeld
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Incidents were categorized as left-wing if they were motivated by a number of factors, including resistance to capitalism, support for LGBTQ rights, black nationalism and anti-fascist rhetoric.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
After a shooter opened fire at an ICE field office, killing a detainee and wounding two others, conservative leaders from Texas to Washington were quick to accuse the left of violent rhetoric that contributed to the attack, though no motives were immediately known.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025
This shooting must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
-
Many bird species migrate at night to avoid predators, conserve energy, and take advantage of calmer winds.—
Brandi D. Addison,
The Providence Journal,
29 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, Hurricane Humberto, which briefly exploded into a rare Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds Saturday, is now a large Category 4 hurricane.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the time of the Timurids, a period that ended about 500 years ago,descendants of Tamerlane, the city hosted festivals of art, music, poetry and food that could last months.—
Dada Jovanovic,
ABC News,
28 Sep. 2025
-
At the end of his life, Maesfield was putting together a collection of his poetry.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Reid, who would know, says that’s nonsense.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Not to mention the Epstein files nonsense.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Venture Global and Weixel, of East Daley, are much more bullish, arguing that global demand will keep rising faster than many expect with electrification, AI, and coal-to-gas power switching.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Russia is banning exports of fuel until the end of the year as gas pumps across the country and in the areas under its occupation are increasingly running dry because of Ukrainian drone attacks.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ellington was one of the true giants of jazz, whose music and performances gave depth and sophistication and life to the most American of music genres.—
Chris Foran,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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And people often confuse vintage with jazz, despite the latter being a living, breathing and developing art form that is still going strong in 2025.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2025.
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