English · Word Candidate

rhetoric

/ˈɹɛtəɹɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rhetorics

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.

Noun

Examples

It’s only so much rhetoric.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Synonym of rhetorical.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rhetoric” mean?

The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.

Is “rhetoric” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.