variants
also rhetoric
1
as in oratorical
marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases
you can skip over the rhetorical passages and still get the gist of the essay
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ornate
full of fine words and fancy expressions
the new governor delivered a long rhetorical speech about our state's bright future but laid out no specific programs for ensuring it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in linguistic
of or relating to words or language
the next war that those two nations fight won't be rhetorical—it will be with bombs and bullets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rhetorical
Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Trump’s broadside against the UN is the latest salvo in a broader rhetorical battle about the value of multilateral organizations like it compared with the bilateral partnerships and deals favored by the current US administration.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Using his encyclopedic knowledge of House rules and his deft rhetorical skills, Adams could spin any floor debate into one about the issue of slavery.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
In this case, the power was rhetorical.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetorical
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Trump’s broadside against the UN is the latest salvo in a broader rhetorical battle about the value of multilateral organizations like it compared with the bilateral partnerships and deals favored by the current US administration.
—Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Using his encyclopedic knowledge of House rules and his deft rhetorical skills, Adams could spin any floor debate into one about the issue of slavery.
—Time, 24 Sep. 2025
In this case, the power was rhetorical.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetorical
Adjective
-
The Dallas area was a hotbed of competitive debate, and, at first, the oratorical polish of Kuang’s teammates was intimidating.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Dancers in ornate pharaonic costumes -- crowned with golden headpieces and holding scepters -- performed to a live international orchestra, as fireworks and drones depicting ancient gods lit up the sky above.—
Ayat Al-Tawy,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
-
On Sunday in New York City at the Angel Ball hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Fund, Blige styled a black lace version of Amina Muaddi’s Camelia style, which features an ornate octagonal crystal embellishment, with a dress from Tony Ward.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The exuberance and linguistic force of Midnight’s Children is still, after 44 years, a joy to encounter on the page.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The project stays anchored in his linguistic roots while aiming to connect with listeners beyond regional boundaries.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In its report, the pontifical commission highlights failures in the Italian church.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The sprawling roughly 2,000-year-old property includes ancient Roman archaeological sites, farmlands, pontifical villas and lush papal gardens, with areas for organic farming and regenerative cultivation.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Franken-Candy Sundae – Creamy vanilla soft serve topped with Oreo cookie crumbles, purple candy syrup, and purple and green popping candy.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In a clip posted to Instagram, Nicole — who dated Travis Kelce on and off from 2017 to 2022 — rocks a purple bikini topped by a revealing dress made of sparkly silver netting.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s physical language, but not verbal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
On screen, Lawrence and Pattinson hurl nonstop insults at each other in loud bursts of verbal warfare, a striking contrast to the duo’s quieter working relationship.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Suarez blames too many New Yorkers moving in for the inflated real-estate prices.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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In high-cost coastal cities, higher incomes tend to offset the inflated prices.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Reform—Within Reason Malthus aimed to puncture Godwin’s grandiloquent progressivism.—
Roy Scranton,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rhetorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetorical. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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