formal
1
often disapproving
: language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or reasonable
absolutist/activist/racist rhetoric
angry rhetoric
a speech free of (empty) rhetoric
the rhetoric of politics
2
: the art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people
a college course in rhetoric
classical rhetoric
Cite this Entry
“Rhetoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rhetoric. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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