rhetoric
Americannoun
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(in writing or speech) the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.
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the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.
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the study of the effective use of language.
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the ability to use language effectively.
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the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.
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the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.
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(in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.
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(in older use) a work on rhetoric.
noun
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the study of the technique of using language effectively
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the art of using speech to persuade, influence, or please; oratory
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excessive use of ornamentation and contrivance in spoken or written discourse; bombast
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speech or discourse that pretends to significance but lacks true meaning
all the politician says is mere rhetoric
Etymology
Origin of rhetoric
First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin rhētorica, from Greek rhētorikḕ (téchnē) “rhetorical (art)”; replacing Middle English rethorik, from Medieval Latin rēthorica, Latin rhētorica, as above
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.
Whatever the risks of his speechifying, you had to admire — here in our age of political infotainment — the natural finesse with which Springsteen threaded his prepared rhetoric into Tuesday’s set.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
But there’s a big caveat: “Decreases only last as long as the situation remains positive. Any new escalations or rhetoric can quickly reverse the expected drops,” De Haan told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
A professor said the de-escalating rhetoric is unlikely to improve inter-Korean relations, despite President Trump’s planned China visit.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
While the common rhetoric often makes it seem like energy and environmental goals are at odds, examples among leading energy and transportation companies have shown otherwise.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026
Those of us in the civil rights community are not immune to the racial stereotypes that pervade media imagery and political rhetoric; nor do we operate outside of the political context.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.