rhetoric

adj

1. Synonym of rhetorical.

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.

   “Transport Minister Marples, meanwhile, used arrogant rhetoric and showed his personal contempt for railways when confirming in Parliament that a third of the network was to be closed even before the survey results were known.”

   ““As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his long-standing advocacy for use of the death penalty, which was part of his tough-on-crime rhetoric during the 2024 campaign.”

2. (countable, derogatory, sometimes, uncountable)Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.

   “It’s only so much rhetoric.”