hot air

noun

Definition of hot airnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hot air High-sided roasting pans can block the circulation of hot air around the turkey, resulting in less-even browning. — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 These vents pull in cool air from the front section and push hot air out of the rear section, which is quiet and efficient. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Most outdoor units discharge hot air vertically, so an obstruction directly overhead can interfere with that airflow. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026 September also brings a packed schedule of events, such as the Adirondack Balloon Festival, when dozens of hot air balloons dot bright blue skies; the Adirondack Nationals Car Show; and Jazz at the Lake. — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
  1. rhetoric
  2. gasconade
  3. brag
  4. chatter
  5. magniloquence
  6. rant
Noun
  • The political right has been targeting Indian Americans for more than a year, with racist rhetoric deployed against the H1-B visa program, Sikh truck drivers and Hindu temples and festivals.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Tweets about Cunningham, thinkpieces, and rebuttals have all swirled into an endless mass of controversy — one dominated by derogatory rhetoric, threats, and anti-trans memes.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of rhetoric
Noun
  • 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
Definition of gasconade
Noun
  • The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has lent some backing in their own study to Waymo’s safety brag.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • One of the Roundhouse’s biggest brags is an extensive liquor collection, highlighting spirits produced in New York State.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of brag
Noun
  • After the first 10 handshakes, the chatter softens to a murmur.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
  • White space opportunities like clinical skin care, clean makeup and designer fragrances are often cited by industry analysts as potential areas of growth, and there is considerable chatter about the company’s M&A strategy.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • Hammy magniloquence risks alienating viewers, not just for an evening but for life, as does obscurity.
    — The Economist, The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
Definition of magniloquence
Noun
  • But he will mostly be remembered for his profanity-laden rant aimed at a sportswriter in the media room after Game 2 of the ALDS — a White Sox win, by the way.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Nathan is offended and starts going on his usual rant about not tolerating disrespect toward his family.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rant

Browse Nearby Words

hot
hot air
hotbed
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Cite this Entry

“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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