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
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.
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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
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
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
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
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
See All Example Sentences for oratorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratorical
rhetorical
Adjective
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Bangladeshi civil society welcomed rhetorical support for its democracy but was demoralized by Washington’s reluctance to act decisively.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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It was founded by Simon Bolívar, who led the region to independence from Spain and remains a key rhetorical figure in Latin American politics, especially in Colombia and Venezuela.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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