FUSTIAN Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

fustian 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fustian

as in rhetorical

marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases one of those fustian odes to patriotic duty that were so beloved by school teachers

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fustian

2 of 2

noun

ˈfəs-chən

as in rhetoric

language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere a speech awash in old-fashioned fustian and bereft of all substance

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fustian

Adjective

Evaluate how different rhetorical moves support speakers’ arguments and how they are received by the audience.

— USA Today, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
The grid numbers driving the pause The rhetorical shift has been accompanied by concrete regulatory action.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rhetorical

Adjective

These include, but are not limited to, contracts granted at inflated costs to Bastien Baudoin, the head of the consultancy firm Tyrex Conseil, and the company Ludoparc, for the building of a children’s playground.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
But Puck’s inflated branding has, over time, come to look almost prophetic.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inflated

Adjective

Leo opened his visit to Pompeii by meeting with sick and disabled people who are cared for by a charity center affiliated with the sanctuary, which Leo’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, declared a pontifical basilica in 1901.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
That public spat has overshadowed his pontifical tour of four African countries, which ended Thursday with a Mass for thousands of people in Malabo, the former capital of Equatorial Guinea.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of pontifical

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fussy

fustian

fustigate

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“Fustian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fustian. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fustian

adjective

noun

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