as in rhetorical
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
Chicago-based like the Jacksons — the play originated at the Steppenwolf Theater Company in that city — they, too, are headed by an oratorical pastor who, in his youth, worked closely with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
—
Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Thus enfranchised, Hackman took on Richard Harris’ elegant killer English Bob with gusto, mixing in a bravura oratorical gavotte with ample kicks to the ribs, and summoning the Best Supporting Actor trophy.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Thus enfranchised, Hackman took on Richard Harris’ elegant killer English Bob with gusto, mixing in a bravura oratorical gavotte with ample kicks to the ribs, and summoning the Best Supporting Actor trophy.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratorical
rhetorical
Adjective
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While both candidates held progressive policy positions on issues like healthcare, the difference between them centered on communication style, with Talarico’s softer rhetorical approach resonating with voters through appeals to unity and a vision of hope[1].—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Talarico is a vision of a Democratic future reminiscent of high points from the Party’s recent past—rhetorical precision, hopes, dreams.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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