1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
his taking credit for the rescue was mostly hot air, since the boat was actually saved by the Coast Guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in wind
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
her campaign promise to "fight for the people" showed a taste for stale hot air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hot air
In California, the twin annual scourges of awards season and wildfire season, both driven by gusts of hot air, have been steadily lengthening to the point where each can be considered a year-round event.
—
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
According to the report, the primary demographic for hot air balloon experiences consists of adventure seekers and travelers looking for unique experiences.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around the food on all sides.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2025
For older kids there are bush walks (minimum age is 16) and stargazing, while families have the option of adding on a hot air balloon safari, too.
—Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot air
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
According to the report, the primary demographic for hot air balloon experiences consists of adventure seekers and travelers looking for unique experiences.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around the food on all sides.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2025
For older kids there are bush walks (minimum age is 16) and stargazing, while families have the option of adding on a hot air balloon safari, too.
—Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
Noun
-
And now, as layoffs on the federal government rise, business confidence falls, and economic forecasts weaken, Wall Street—long used to Trump's market-friendly rhetoric—is being told by the president to embrace the volatility as part of a longer-term strategy.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
-
But new and legacy spending ambitions continue unabated, as Congress—despite the GOP’s small-government rhetoric—has long capitulated to progressive aims.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr.,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Loewe’s Puzzle bag, which Anderson introduced in his first collection, and which is made from soft leather cut into patchwork pieces and then stitched back together at rakish angles, is a choice non-blingy brag.—
Rebecca Mead,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
-
How 'Intermezzo' sparked envy, became the galley brag of 2024 I, dear reader, am not above a galley brag.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The combat is usually riddled with party chatter and characters shouting their special moves, which creates a high-energy crescendo of sights and sounds when paired with the excellent battle music.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
18 Mar. 2025
-
This set off some table-wide chatter about the most recent World Series, which the Yankees lost to the Dodgers in somewhat humiliating fashion, capped off by a disastrous error-riddled inning that saw a five-run lead evaporate in the decisive Game 5.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Kanye West went on another rant on Wednesday (Mar. 5), which included a message to Drake.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The rant saw Ye praising Adolf Hitler and offering a T-shirt featuring a swastika on his website, a move that led to his marketplace partner Shopify taking down the website) and ushering in condemnation from the ADL, Charlie Puth, Lyor Cohen and others.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This small planetary nebula, like others like it, was formed by gases in the outer layers of a dying star.—
Miguel Claro,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The residential portion spans almost 2,700 square foot with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with soaring double-height ceilings, oversized arched windows, and a sleek gas fireplace.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share