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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Whether these rhetorical jabs will resonate with voters or simply serve to inflame partisan divisions remains an open question.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
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Just asking questions Kennedy and other MAHA proponents also employ another powerful rhetorical tactic: raising questions about topics that have already reached a scientific consensus.—
Megan Donelson,
The Conversation,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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