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.
His vague rhetoric was meant to appease a nation increasingly opposed to the conflict.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
“The market is caught between the largest supply disruption in modern history and growing de-escalation rhetoric from Washington,” said Neil Crosby, associate vice president of oil analytics at Sparta Commodities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
Her concurrence is too cryptic, though, to be of much use to lower courts trying to make sense of Gorsuch’s maximalist rhetoric.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
China has moved well beyond rhetoric: childbirth is now effectively free under the insurance system, and reimbursement for assisted reproductive services has been expanding rapidly.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
He used the emotional force of the occasion, channeled through his rhetoric, to quietly shift the political ground and redefine the casus belli in a way that suited him.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
