1
as in wind
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the mayor's promise to fight drugs was just rhetoric, since there was no money in the city budget for a drug program
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in poetry
the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way
great leaders have often been masters of rhetoric, which they have used for both good and ill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rhetoric
So much of the rhetoric about America’s current condition is that the country has become unrecognizable.
—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
24 June 2026
Legal analysts and oncology groups have argued Kennedy’s years of rhetoric against the vaccine have already contributed to depressed uptake, particularly in conservative-leaning states where HPV coverage lagged even before pandemic disruptions.
—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Return to Hogwarts special alongside her fellow franchise stars — while Watson and other actors from the series have additionally expressed disagreement with Rowling's controversial anti-trans rhetoric in recent years.
—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 June 2026
In France, Le Pen and her allies are leading in polls by softening their apocalyptic rhetoric and instead promising big-government populist economic relief.
—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
24 June 2026
Legal analysts and oncology groups have argued Kennedy’s years of rhetoric against the vaccine have already contributed to depressed uptake, particularly in conservative-leaning states where HPV coverage lagged even before pandemic disruptions.
—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Return to Hogwarts special alongside her fellow franchise stars — while Watson and other actors from the series have additionally expressed disagreement with Rowling's controversial anti-trans rhetoric in recent years.
—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 June 2026
In France, Le Pen and her allies are leading in polls by softening their apocalyptic rhetoric and instead promising big-government populist economic relief.
—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rhetoric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetoric
Noun
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While wind conditions around Big Bear Lake weren't necessarily high on Friday afternoon, there were reports of strong gusts in the Lucerne Valley, where there's a main SCE line that feeds BVES the majority of its power.
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Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
Noun
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Her new album, Fata Morgana, uses an array of cascading rhythms, impish hooks, and fierce poetry to interrogate her place in a corrupt American society.
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Avelar is a part of an extracurricular program run by America SCORES Bay Area, a nonprofit that allows students to learn and play the sport of soccer, as well as honing some of their academic skills through poetry.
Noun
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Even Hauser can’t rescue this culturally insensitive, stereotype-perpetuating nonsense.
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Some beer companies even make canned versions of the drink, but forget that nonsense — there is nothing better than a fresh, handmade michelada.
Noun
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That campaign has upended daily life for people on the peninsula, resulting in frequent drone strikes, a ban on gas sales to ordinary residents, and the suspension of summer camps for children.
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The costs of rent, gas and food all got more expensive in May, according to Labor Department data.
Noun
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Piano jazz drifted among the grape vines, hedgerows, and bright-pink mandevilla.
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Davis, a five-time Grammy Award winner, played a key role in furthering the work of artists across genres — R&B, jazz, rock, country and hip-hop, as well as some of pop's biggest stars.
Noun
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Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries.
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Dogra was on the speech and debate team, competing in original oratory and original advocacy and serving as speech captain during her junior and senior years.
Noun
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Victor Lindelof’s pre-match comments smacked of bombast and confidence, the sort of words which are said but not meant, platitudes used to motivate rather than to be sworn under oath.
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The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
Noun
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Freed of the architectural fustian of the Frick’s Gilded Age home, the art breathes anew, each painting in its own world rather than entwined with others as part of a decorative ensemble.
Cite this Entry
“Rhetoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetoric. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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