as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning
the English idiom "how are you doing?" is our version of a greeting that in some other languages can be translated as "how are you going?"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 idiom
Powered by nine proprietary learning methods, the platform integrates real-time cultural signals - from memes and slang to idioms and ancient lore.
—
Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
But the nature of all idioms is that their meaning cannot be deduced from their components; the phrase kicked the bucket does not put the English speaker in the mind of an actual bucket, just as the word death does not remind him terribly of the letter D.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Best known as a savvy drummer deeply versed in a broad swath of pre-World War II idioms like ragtime, Delta blues, and swing, Devine is at home surrounded by the artifacts and ephemera that captured the sounds and spirit of that era.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
There’s a fabled idiom that if the mountain won’t come to Mohammad, then Mohammad might need to go to the mountain.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
But the nature of all idioms is that their meaning cannot be deduced from their components; the phrase kicked the bucket does not put the English speaker in the mind of an actual bucket, just as the word death does not remind him terribly of the letter D.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Best known as a savvy drummer deeply versed in a broad swath of pre-World War II idioms like ragtime, Delta blues, and swing, Devine is at home surrounded by the artifacts and ephemera that captured the sounds and spirit of that era.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
There’s a fabled idiom that if the mountain won’t come to Mohammad, then Mohammad might need to go to the mountain.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
phrase
Noun
-
But as with two years ago, the problem is that old phrase: end product.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
-
To use a New York City phrase: he's instantly been koshered.—
Zohreen Shah,
ABC News,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share