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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Hiding in plain sight Pennsylvania, like many northern states, responded to the Declaration of Independence’s rhetorical commitment to liberty by enacting a gradual emancipation law.
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The invocation of self-evident truths and inherent rights is a warrant for the destruction of existing order, a rhetorical erasure not only of the divine right of kings but also, more generally, of the prerogatives of power.
Cite this Entry
“Oratorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratorical. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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