Definitions

rhetorical question

[ri-tawr-i-kuhl kwes-chuhn, -tor-] / rɪˈtɔr ɪ kəl ˈkwɛs tʃən, -ˈtɒr- /

NOUN

answer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

comment explanation feedback interpretation justification key observation rebuttal remark report resolution response result return sign solution statement

STRONG

acknowledgment antiphon close comeback cooler counterclaim crack defense disclosure echo elucidation guff lip plea refutation rejoinder repartee retort riposte topper vindication wisecrack

WEAK

Band-Aid back talk backcap parting shot pay dirt quick fix thank-you note the ticket

Antonyms

STRONGEST

problem question quiet request silence trouble

NOUN

open question

Synonyms

WEAK

anybody's guess loose end question toss of a coin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s not entirely a rhetorical question; a lot of people at least pretended to.

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2025

Certainly, if you’re one of the 24,000 Television Academy members voting for the Emmys, it’s a rhetorical question.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024

It was a rhetorical question designed to impress on them his urgency and his demand that part of their job would be walking the streets with him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

An ally later suggested he had been posing a rhetorical question.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

That was obviously a rhetorical question; Mrs. Burt wasn't even looking at her.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

rhetorical question

Example Sentences

Related Words