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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fustian

Adjective

The latest Piker rhetorical bomb El-Sayed had to dodge was the streamer’s assertion in an interview with Axios, excerpts of which were posted Thursday, that the United States is more of a fomenter of terrorism than al-Qaeda.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
By retaining too much of the play’s rhetorical architecture, the film turns a provocative dramatic premise into something closer to an illustrated thesis.

— Beandrea July, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rhetorical

Noun

The conservative justice discussed lawmakers’ efforts to expand the Supreme Court, as well as the violent public rhetoric about the court and its members.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Whoever the next commissioner is needs to crack down on the divisive rhetoric.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of rhetoric

Adjective

The unions cited concerns including job security, affordable health care, and wages that meet New York City’s inflated cost of living.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
All these geopolitical variables put a partial freeze on energy dealmaking—potential sellers ask for more money on inflated valuations, while the buyers think longer term and conservatively.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of inflated

Adjective

In another decree published Monday, Leo canceled Francis’ plans to move some of the Vatican’s secret archives and library holdings out of the city state and onto the grounds of a pontifical university across town.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
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

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fustian

adjective

noun

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