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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of rhetorical
From a purely political perspective, such a OLC memo offers an order of magnitude upgrade in its rhetorical power.
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Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
For many, the question of whether screening Rust was even a good idea stands purely rhetorical.
—Nick Newman, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024
Sharp rhetorical skills: Vance is an articulate speaker and debater.
—Shaun Chornonroff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024
Trump will likely reprise the rhetorical embrace of Egypt that marked his first term, along with a lack of concern for democracy and human rights.
—Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rhetorical 
Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
For many, the question of whether screening Rust was even a good idea stands purely rhetorical.
—Nick Newman, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024
Sharp rhetorical skills: Vance is an articulate speaker and debater.
—Shaun Chornonroff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024
Trump will likely reprise the rhetorical embrace of Egypt that marked his first term, along with a lack of concern for democracy and human rights.
—Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024
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
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Yes, but: Some Democrats argue that the debate will be less of a referendum on oratorical skill and more of a clash of two different styles and worldviews.Andrew Solender, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Tana was glamorous in a purple slip dress and silver strappy heels, while Ramsay looked polished in a navy blue suit and black sneakers.Escher Walcott, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
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In the growing purple state of North Carolina, the percentage of African Americans registering as unaffiliated grew from nearly 13% of the electorate in 2013 to nearly 22% in 2023.Boyd K. Rutherford, Baltimore Sun, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Thompson and Montgomery got into a verbal argument in the parking lot just outside of the Lounge, police stated in the announcement.Fox19 Digital Staff, The Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2024
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By expanding this approach to online chats or chatbots, customers can ask questions and receive verbal human-like responses.Ilya Lashch, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The prose is confiding and, in places, pontifical.Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2020
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That revelation, coupled with other recent pontifical critiques, have quickly dissolved the notion that the Dec. 31 death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a symbolic leader of the church’s conservative wing, might lessen the opposition to Francis.Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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This meant that the writing was image-based rather than linguistic.Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
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This is a popular linguistic relativity theory and is generally referred to as Whorfianism or the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (partially associated with anthropologist Benjamin Whorf).Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Scroll on for six trainer trends to note for 2025. Partnerships, partnerships, partnerships Collaborations have always been a powerful tool on the sneaker landscape, with the most coveted styles selling at inflated prices on resale sites long after their initial release.Alice Cary, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
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Mangione, reportedly motivated by anger toward corporate practices, is said to have been driven by similar frustrations that these lawsuits target, especially concerning the inflated costs of essential drugs.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And no face more eloquent than that of Edward Norton, who as Pete Seeger has that expanse broadened by a hairline swooping up toward his crown.Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
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Among other things, Fragile is the most eloquent showcase of the band members’ dazzling instrumental virtuosity.Darryn King, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Someone who isn't communicative and can't face difficult discussions might resort to passive aggressiveness instead of self-reflection.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
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And being more communicative even in my family, being more open, vulnerable and being a little better with my words of affirmation. Martin: Did your parents embrace that part of American culture?Rachel Martin, NPR, 24 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Rhetorical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhetorical. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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