SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
rhetorical
adjective
Relating to the effective use of language; sometimes intended for effect without expecting a literal answer.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Using language for effect
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topRhetorical concerns expression and persuasive effect. A rhetorical question invites reflection or makes a point without requiring a literal answer.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See rhetorical in use
The speaker used a rhetorical question to introduce the central problem.
The rhetorical force of a student campaign speech came from a clear contrast between the broken bike racks and the simple repairs being proposed.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license