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 purple
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 verbal
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
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Recent Examples of rhetorical
In the early days of the Trump Administration, Kirk’s case was pursued in a rhetorical climate of law and order in which wrongdoers would be held accountable.
—
Mike Fox, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
Image The election also highlighted that Mr. Trump’s brand of conservative politics can turn toxic for conservatives elsewhere if they are seen as being too aligned with his ideological and rhetorical style.
—Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
During Trump's first term, Pirro called for the jailing of FBI and Justice Department staffers, spoke on stage at a Trump campaign event, and ran rhetorical interference for him during his impeachment trials.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 May 2025
His electoral mandate was forged in backlash to the President’s economic aggression, rhetorical slights, and apparent disregard for Canadian sovereignty.
—Nik Popli, Time, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetorical
Mike Fox, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
Image The election also highlighted that Mr. Trump’s brand of conservative politics can turn toxic for conservatives elsewhere if they are seen as being too aligned with his ideological and rhetorical style.
—Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
During Trump's first term, Pirro called for the jailing of FBI and Justice Department staffers, spoke on stage at a Trump campaign event, and ran rhetorical interference for him during his impeachment trials.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 May 2025
His electoral mandate was forged in backlash to the President’s economic aggression, rhetorical slights, and apparent disregard for Canadian sovereignty.
—Nik Popli, Time, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhetorical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhetorical
Adjective
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Not merely because of his superior oratorical pizazz but also his remarkable style.—
Julian Randall,
Essence,
4 Dec. 2024
-
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
-
The Emmy Award-winning actress styled a floral midi dress in shades of purple, pink and light blue.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
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Placing your plant in direct sunlight can cause the plant’s leaves to burn or turn a reddish purple color.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
But despite months of verbal support from state leaders, no new funding has materialized.—
Leslie S. Richards,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
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And also, similar to the suggestion for No. 1, consider creating safe words or a verbal challenge/response procedure.—
Perry Carpenter,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The only pontifical name that hasn't been used more than once is Peter, the name of the first pope, though there's no prohibition against doing so.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
8 May 2025
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Gregory and Benedict are also popular pontifical names with 16 and 15 uses, respectively,while Innocent and Leo come close behind with 13 uses each.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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This strident belief that languages shape our thinking is referred to as the linguistic relativity hypothesis, which is also informally known as Whorfianism, see my detailed discussion at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Critics argue that the rules prohibit linguistic evolution and self-expression.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Netanyahu insists this is necessary to prevent Hamas from looting the aid entering the strip or selling it to people in Gaza at a higher inflated price.—
Helena Skinner,
ABC News,
22 May 2025
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Overly inflated ovations, some with runtimes comparable to a short film, used to be rare on the Croisette.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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From crafting eloquent emails to optimizing complex logistics, AI offers immense convenience, a smooth handover of mental effort.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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LaBeouf delivers this confession with an eloquent conviction that’s a little uncanny.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Those transported to the hospital were conscious and communicative at the time of transport, according to Diablo Valley College.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
24 May 2025
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Jen is super communicative, popular, and wise, linking her spiritual vibe with the Air sign.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rhetorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetorical. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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