1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing his taking credit for the rescue was mostly hot air, since the boat was actually saved by the Coast Guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in wind
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere her campaign promise to "fight for the people" showed a taste for stale hot air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hot air Convection ovens circulate hot air continuously, promoting more even cooking and enhanced browning. —
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Those shallow sides let hot air from the oven circulate and crisp the ingredients’ exteriors. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026 This new pattern, which could push out a high pressure system that trapped hot air throughout the area for nearly two weeks, is set to bring moisture, breezy winds and even the possibility of thunder to the region. —Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Our hot air highline dream began a decade earlier, in 2014, when my friend Lukas Irmler and I set out to break the record for the highest slackline above ground. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot air
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Those shallow sides let hot air from the oven circulate and crisp the ingredients’ exteriors. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026 This new pattern, which could push out a high pressure system that trapped hot air throughout the area for nearly two weeks, is set to bring moisture, breezy winds and even the possibility of thunder to the region. —Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Our hot air highline dream began a decade earlier, in 2014, when my friend Lukas Irmler and I set out to break the record for the highest slackline above ground. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
Noun
-
For all Magyar’s rhetoric, his politics do not actually represent a comprehensive break from Orbán.— Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
-
Orban’s enduring support stems from tangible benefits — utility discounts, pension supplements — alongside nationalist rhetoric emphasizing Hungary’s traditions, regional pride, and external threats such as Ukraine’s war that resonate deeply with rural and elderly voters.— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His early career was marked by the sort of gasconade many fans of the NFL had come to adore and many MLB executives and players had come to loathe.— Robert Klemko, The MMQB, 13 July 2017
Noun
-
Humble brag; That turned out to be a stroke of genius on my part.— Marc Silver, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
-
However, the new Master Suites may overtake Silvers in popularity; their 721-to-826 square feet include brag-worthy 270-degree views.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The chatter did not test Murray’s patience.— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
-
For maximum comfort and quiet, Beats Studio Pro Over-ear Headphones deliver effective noise cancellation that noticeably reduces engine hum and cabin chatter, making movies, music, and podcasts far more enjoyable.— Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hammy magniloquence risks alienating viewers, not just for an evening but for life, as does obscurity.— The Economist, The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018
Noun
-
On his SiriusXM show, while debating some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggested NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Smith launched into a rant.— Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
-
Well, there are worse things to do with your guilt over saying something cruel in a drunken rant than throwing a very thoughtful 30th-birthday party, no?— Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
