C2nounformalpoliticslanguage
US/ˈret.ər.ɪk/
UK/ˈret.ər.ɪk/
speech or writing meant to persuade, often sounding impressive but lacking honesty or real meaning
In context
Voters are tired of empty rhetoric and want real action on housing.
The candidate's anti-immigrant rhetoric worried many business leaders.
Law students study rhetoric to become more persuasive in court.
Words that go with rhetoric
adjective + noun
- empty rhetoricThe climate pledge was dismissed as empty rhetoric.
- political rhetoricPolitical rhetoric often becomes harsher before an election.
- heated rhetoricHeated rhetoric on both sides made a deal harder.
- harsh rhetoricDespite the harsh rhetoric, trade between the countries kept growing.
noun + noun
- campaign rhetoricCampaign rhetoric rarely matches what leaders do in office.
verb + noun
- tone down the rhetoricDiplomats urged both leaders to tone down the rhetoric.