as in manner
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words in the poet's somewhat affected locution, word order is often reversed and so we have "the sea serene"

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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 locution Confucius says—an old-fashioned locution, perhaps, but appropriate here—never to take interest in feats of strength. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 That archly strangled locution, the ceaseless scorn: the vendor’s voice nags at the former Dean Street boy. Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 27 Sep. 2023 That mysterious locution and the lack of additional details raised the possibility that something more than the sniffles might be ailing the Boss. Stuart Munro, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023 In diplomatic memorandums, officials avoided the term military base; the preferred locution was joint communications facility. Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 15 June 2022 On this night, Dylan made every word count, and sang with a blues master’s locution. Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, 31 Oct. 2019 Consider common appeals to allyship and altruism; such locutions convey a sort of optional quality, a moralistic tone, and unreliable trendiness. Astra Taylor, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for locution
Noun
  • For the Blue Jays, Bichette would be their franchise shortstop in the same manner he's been for the last few years.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Once testing is complete, DSS will work closely with our EBT vendor to issue benefits in a timely manner.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Bike advocates, like nonprofit BikeWalkKC, co-founded by District 4 Councilor Eric Bunch, believe city ordinance changes are needed, but contend they should be focused on helping to protect cyclists and scooter operators, instead of restricting the usage of such modes of transportation.
    PJ Green November 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025
  • There are also a limited number of challenges to undertake that require certain moves to complete, similar to Puzzle mode in older Lumines titles.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the David Lynch–style tension built by Will’s arrival just kind of fizzles.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This take on tiramisu has all the flavors of a coconut cream pie but in the classic no-bake dessert style.
    Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The metallic red and green hues deliver that classic Christmas feel, while the rose gold and gold tones add a bit of sparkle to your daily hydration, and can only be found at Target.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Prescott was troubled by the significant differences in tone, headlines and emphasis when covering the war, and condemned the BBC for allegedly misreporting the proportion of Palestinian women and children killed by Israeli military actions.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Locution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locution. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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