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
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
The low-key packaging of such a high-value endorsement also suggests that the Obamas, both of whom are powerful speakers, may be waiting for the right moment to deploy their oratorical skills for maximum impact.
—Christina Wilkie, CNBC, 26 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
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
The low-key packaging of such a high-value endorsement also suggests that the Obamas, both of whom are powerful speakers, may be waiting for the right moment to deploy their oratorical skills for maximum impact.
—Christina Wilkie, CNBC, 26 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratorical
rhetorical
Adjective
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Trump has also repeatedly undercut Zelenskyy and provided rhetorical support to Putin, expressing skepticism of any criticism directed toward the Russian leader, and seeking to force Ukraine to make territorial concessions without guaranteeing their freedom and sovereignty in the future.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
13 June 2025
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In the first debate last week, Cuomo largely steered clear of any rhetorical hiccups.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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