rhetorically

adverb

rhe·​tor·​i·​cal·​ly -rə̇k(ə)lē How to pronounce rhetorically (audio)
-rēk-
-li
: with respect to rhetoric : for rhetorical effect : in a rhetorical manner
aim has been to punctuate as lightly as possible, and rhetorically rather than grammaticallyJ. R. Sutherland
threw up her hands and asked rhetorically what was going to happen to them nowLouis Auchincloss

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rhetorically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhetorically. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!