In fiction, a character who bloviates can be interesting to read about. They usually come across as opinionated blow-hards that make for a great story antagonist. In nonfiction, writers get to use their bloviating skills to change opinion. Bloviating means having the ability to write or speak verbosely or to with a flair for being long-winded. As with any word, bloviate has a number of synonyms that offer ways for writers to use the word bloviate in creative ways.
Longwinded
To be longwinded, the writer must use long, drawn out phrases explanations. Long-windedness also implies rambling, or being interminable, lengthy, boring, wordy , wearisomely verbose.
Blarney
Blarney is the ability to flatter or smooth talk others. It includes the art of talking deceptive nonsense and getting away with it.
Opine
To opine is to state or express an opinion. Fictional characters who opine are known to speak out, harangue, preach, orate, give discourses, and lecture.
Ramble
Writers should be careful of rambling, especially in nonfiction. Rambling in writing involves writing at length while digressing, a lot. When writers – or fiction characters – ramble they go on, stray from the main topic, go off on a tangent, wander off topic, or wander off point.
Wordy and Verbose
Wordiness includes being quite verbal and using more words than are necessary to convey the message. It means being talkative, verbose, long-winded, effusive, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, and chatty.
Bloviating can be used to your advantage (as in the case of blarney or opining). On the other hand, it can get you into trouble if you overuse it, such as when the writing is excessively longwinded, wordy, verbose, or in rambling. Use your bloviating wisely and sparingly and it will carry you far.
Resources
American Heritage Dictionary
Roget’s Thesaurus. Fifth Edition. Edited by Robert L. Chapman. New York, New York: Harper’s and Collins Publishers, 1992.
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