as in rhetoric
marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases
a speech that was an oratorical endorsement of the value of education but one that refused to call for greater spending on education
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Recent Examples of oratorical
To some of Mojtaba’s supporters, the lack of religious qualifications and oratorical skills may not matter.
—
Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025
Not merely because of his superior oratorical pizazz but also his remarkable style.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 4 Dec. 2024
Yes, but: Some Democrats argue that the debate will be less of a referendum on oratorical skill and more of a clash of two different styles and worldviews.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024
Trump’s general-election debates have not exactly been the stuff of oratorical legend.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025
Not merely because of his superior oratorical pizazz but also his remarkable style.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 4 Dec. 2024
Yes, but: Some Democrats argue that the debate will be less of a referendum on oratorical skill and more of a clash of two different styles and worldviews.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024
Trump’s general-election debates have not exactly been the stuff of oratorical legend.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratorical
rhetorical
Adjective
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That brief respite in Trump’s relentless rhetorical war on his favorite economic foil will almost certainly expire Wednesday afternoon – possibly while Powell is still fielding questions from reporters after the Fed announces its interest rate decision.—
Phil Mattingly,
CNN Money,
30 July 2025
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The phrase itself is more of a rhetorical flourish than a description of how Beijing sees Moscow.—
Da Wei,
Foreign Affairs,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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