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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot air
This weather phenomenon occurs when a wildfire or other source of intense heat causes hot air to spin and create a column of fire.
—
Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
These fans draw cooler air in through slots on the front of this thin slab section and spit out hot air from identical slots in the barrel’s rear section.
—Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
Montgomery combined his early control technology and understanding of aerodynamics to create the gliders, carried high on hot air balloons and released into the sky.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Every morning during the nine-day Canberra Balloon Spectacular (which starts March 15), the dawn skies will be filled with up to 50 hot air balloons, in a raft of shapes and colors—think T-Rex, Yoda from Star Wars, or a bagpiper.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot air 
Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
These fans draw cooler air in through slots on the front of this thin slab section and spit out hot air from identical slots in the barrel’s rear section.
—Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
Montgomery combined his early control technology and understanding of aerodynamics to create the gliders, carried high on hot air balloons and released into the sky.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Every morning during the nine-day Canberra Balloon Spectacular (which starts March 15), the dawn skies will be filled with up to 50 hot air balloons, in a raft of shapes and colors—think T-Rex, Yoda from Star Wars, or a bagpiper.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot air
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot air
Noun
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Because of the rhetoric out there, this is an opportunity for boards to reengage in a discussion on what is our DEI agenda and commitment at a board level, and truly reengage all directors in that conversation.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes,
3 Feb. 2025
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However, the hostile environment created by anti-Asian rhetoric and violence has stifled their ability to contribute fully.—
John Wang,
New York Daily News,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The humble brag is a new shiny toy for some people.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
5 Dec. 2024
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The brag quickly caught the attention of Swift fans across social media, who rushed to attack Spector while defending Swift.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
19 Nov. 2024
Noun
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When the crowd broke into chatter and shocked reactions, Gomez hung her head.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
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In Lorne Michaels’ world, a little loose chatter goes a long way.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The multi-time Grammy winner ruffled more feathers over the weekend with one of his signature rants on X.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
5 Feb. 2025
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As the Washington Post’s style writers also noted, West isn’t known to be a mentally well human being, having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and known for his public meltdowns and his antisemitic rants.—
Martha Ross,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Auto parts, oil and gas are also key resources the U.S. imports from Canada.—
Avery Lotz,
Axios,
2 Feb. 2025
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Despite Biden's climate agenda, U.S. oil and gas production increased dramatically during his time in office.—
Jeff Brady,
NPR,
1 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hot air
Cite this Entry
“Hot air.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20air. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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