Synonyms of rhetoric

rhetoric

noun

ˈre-tə-rik 

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

• wind
• nonsense
• gas
• jazz
• oratory
• bombast
• fustian
• grandiloquence
• verbiage
• hot air
• pretension
• claptrap
• hogwash
• gibberish
• drivel
• grandiosity
• pomposity
• loftiness
• verbosity
• jabberwocky
• humbug
• wordiness
• garrulity
• moonshine
• garrulousness
• pretentiousness
• floweriness
• verboseness
• affectedness
• windiness

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

• poetry
• articulateness
• eloquence
• expressiveness
• expression
• emotion
• power
• articulacy
• gift of gab
• persuasiveness
• oratory
• declamation
• persuasion
• elocution
• intensity
• fervor
• cogency
• forcefulness
• warmth
• passion
• meaningfulness
• vehemence
• heat
• fervency
• ardor
• force
• fervidness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inarticulateness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rhetoric

The same refusal to soften extends to issues where many Democrats have moderated their rhetoric. — Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026

But there is also something terrifying about the fact that these voters also use this rhetoric against anybody even slightly to their right. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Le Pen’s public positioning and rhetoric were conscious of the dynamic with Bardella, repeatedly stressing how close and loyal the two were. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026

Critics say such rhetoric undermines public confidence in election results. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 7 July 2026