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Synonyms

rhetorical question

American  
[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-] / rɪˈtɔr ɪ kəl ˈkwɛs tʃən, -ˈtɒr- /

noun

Rhetoric.
  1. a question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion of affirmation or denial and not to elicit a reply, as “Has there ever been a more perfect day for a picnic?” or “Are you out of your mind?”


rhetorical question British  

noun

  1. a question to which no answer is required: used esp for dramatic effect. An example is Who knows? (with the implication Nobody knows )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

rhetorical question Cultural  
  1. A question posed without expectation of an answer but merely as a way of making a point: “You don't expect me to go along with that crazy scheme, do you?”


rhetorical question Idioms  
  1. A question asked without expecting an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect. The expected answer is usually “yes” or “no.” For example, Can we improve the quality of our work? That's a rhetorical question. [Late 1800s]


Etymology

Origin of rhetorical question

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rhetorical question: questions intended to make a point rather than to get an answer.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

Rhetorical question: a question that is not expected to be answered, one for which there is no answer, or one that creates a dramatic effect.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021