Definitions

rhetorical question

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

NOUN

answer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

comment explanation feedback interpretation justification key observation rebuttal remark report resolution response result return sign solution statement

STRONG

acknowledgment antiphon close comeback cooler counterclaim crack defense disclosure echo elucidation guff lip plea refutation rejoinder repartee retort riposte topper vindication wisecrack

WEAK

Band-Aid back talk backcap parting shot pay dirt quick fix thank-you note the ticket

Antonyms

STRONGEST

problem question quiet request silence trouble

NOUN

open question

Synonyms

WEAK

anybody's guess loose end question toss of a coin

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.

In a concurring opinion, Gorsuch stated the stakes more plainly by posing a rhetorical question: If the president’s argument was given credence, then “what do we make of the Constitution’s text?”

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2026

It’s not entirely a rhetorical question; a lot of people at least pretended to.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2025

Exhausted and exasperated, the quarterback had a rhetorical question for the cluster: “Can’t you let a guy sulk in peace?”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025

An ally of the Home Office minister later suggested he had been posing a rhetorical question.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2024

Something about the tone of his voice or the reaction of the other children told me this was a purely rhetorical question.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

rhetorical question

Example Sentences

Related Words