noun

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

2. Meaningless language with an exaggerated style intended to impress.

   “It’s only so much rhetoric.”

Synonyms: wordcraft

adjective

1. Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade.

   “A rhetorical question is one used merely to make a point, with no response expected.”

2. Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument.