Definitions

rhetorical

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl, -tor-] / rɪˈtɔr ɪ kəl, -ˈtɒr- /

ADJECTIVE

wordy; flowery in speech

Synonyms

STRONGEST

oratorical vocal

WEAK

articulate aureate bombastic declamatory eloquent embellished euphuistic exaggerated flamboyant flashy florid fluent glib grand grandiloquent grandiose high-flown hyperbolic imposing inflated magniloquent mouthy ornate ostentatious overblown overdone overwrought pompous pretentious showy silver-tongued sonorous stilted swollen tumescent tumid turgid verbose voluble windy

Antonyms

WEAK

concise

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.

Jennifer Mercieca is a historian of American political rhetoric at Texas A&M University and the author of several books, including "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump."

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2025

“It’s a wild and crazy ride,” said Jennifer Mercieca, a political historian and communications professor at Texas A&M and author of “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2024

Lynn Greenky, professor emeritus of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Syracuse University, offers some examples in The Conversation.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2024

I asked Jennifer Mercieca, a historian of political rhetoric at Texas A&M and the author of "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump," for her thoughts about Trump’s language in recent fundraising emails.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2023

Rhetorical faults, and even ungrammatical expressions, are constantly overlooked, and illegibility has almost come to be regarded as an essential characteristic.

From The American Gentleman's Guide to Politeness and Fashion or, Familiar Letters to his Nephews by Lunettes, Henry

Vocabulary lists containing rhetorical

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!