1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
his taking credit for the rescue was mostly hot air, since the boat was actually saved by the Coast Guard
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2
as in wind
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
her campaign promise to "fight for the people" showed a taste for stale hot air
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot air
A lot of folks know New Mexico for green chiles, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, and the birthplace of the bomb.
—
John Burnett, NPR, 7 June 2025
More podcasting, more stand-up, more talking, more hot air.
—Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
The civil protection agency added that the balloon was operated by a tour company that offers hot air balloon rides to view the pyramids from above.
—Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Bristol International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, UK (August 8-10, 2025)
Every August, Bristol’s skies burst into color as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight in Europe’s largest and most spectacular balloon festival.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot air
John Burnett, NPR, 7 June 2025
More podcasting, more stand-up, more talking, more hot air.
—Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
The civil protection agency added that the balloon was operated by a tour company that offers hot air balloon rides to view the pyramids from above.
—Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Bristol International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, UK (August 8-10, 2025)
Every August, Bristol’s skies burst into color as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight in Europe’s largest and most spectacular balloon festival.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
Noun
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The bond market turmoil reportedly prompted Trump’s administration to retreat from some of its more aggressive trade war rhetoric.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
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In recent weeks, investor worries have eased in response to calmer rhetoric on tariffs from the White House and forecasts that the Federal Reserve rate will lower interest rates, analysts told CBS MoneyWatch.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Noun
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There’s a whole new tone and dynamism to LinkedIn: more human, less not-so-humble brag.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Archetypal playboy Eddie Irvine has always loved a humble brag, renowned for accumulating a long list boys toys assets after following a successful F1 career.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Based on all the chatter coming out of camp, Wilson already seems to be having a positive influence on the Giants.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
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There was a lot of chatter about the government replenishing local government consumer subsidy funds after strong demand, which led to depletion in several cities.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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For example, the first crack in the Republican edifice was the advent of the Tea Party Movement, one of whose tenets was tough fiscal responsibility, as inspired by a ‘Chicago Tea Party’ rant from CNBC commentator Rick Santelli in 2009.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Devers was upset when Breslow requested him to change positions again and went on a rant to reporters.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Buc-ee’s has pitched building 120 gas pumps and 12 charging stations for electric vehicles on the property.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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Iran approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas route.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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