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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot air
This week’s heat dome is caused by a stubborn ridge of high pressure that has trapped hot air over the West like a lid on a pot.
—
Denise Chow, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Butterss’ bassline works like the ropes that keep a hot air balloon tethered to earth.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
Weekend activities include the tulip trolley, live entertainment, food trucks, animal barn, and hot air balloon rides when the weather permits.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
As hot air rises off the desert floor, cooler air pours down from above and funnels between the mountain ranges, sending unpredictable gusts sweeping across the tennis complex.
—Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot air
Denise Chow, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Butterss’ bassline works like the ropes that keep a hot air balloon tethered to earth.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
Weekend activities include the tulip trolley, live entertainment, food trucks, animal barn, and hot air balloon rides when the weather permits.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
As hot air rises off the desert floor, cooler air pours down from above and funnels between the mountain ranges, sending unpredictable gusts sweeping across the tennis complex.
—Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
Noun
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The post, which Kinlaw appears to have shared on his personal Facebook page and later deleted, contained a graphic with anti-Islamic rhetoric.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
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Between persecution and suspicion These dynamics become especially visible in moments of enforcement, where the gap between political rhetoric and immigration policy comes into sharp relief.—
Candace Lukasik,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His early career was marked by the sort of gasconade many fans of the NFL had come to adore and many MLB executives and players had come to loathe.—
Robert Klemko,
The MMQB,
13 July 2017
Noun
-
If the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are calling your name, consider Bonaire as your spring break brag.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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The infamous length of Infinite Jest is, in this sense, a central feature of its ethic: not bigness as brag but duration as discipline.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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On the conference sidelines, expect plenty of chatter about AI and the overall electricity supply crunch.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
23 Mar. 2026
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But even though right when the divorce was announced, there were reports that Urban had already moved on, there hasn’t really been much chatter about Kidman possibly doing the same.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hammy magniloquence risks alienating viewers, not just for an evening but for life, as does obscurity.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
15 Mar. 2018
Noun
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Instead, travelers should arm themselves with enjoyable snacks, movies and music while avoiding things like alcohol, medication or online rants that could end up worsening their mood.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
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That epic rant seemed to get the Bruins on a roll.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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