song

noun

ˈsȯŋ How to pronounce song (audio)
Definition of songnext
1
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment she sang a little-known song for the talent show

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2
as in poem
a composition using rhythm and often rhyme to create a lyrical effect the songs of Shakespeare

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3
as in melody
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect whistle a song as accompaniment to your work

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4
as in dime
a very small sum of money developers bought the land for a song

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in poetry
writing that uses rhythm, vivid language, and often rhyme to provoke an emotional response a hero honored in song and story

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 song Karin Ann also wrote and recorded four original songs for Orion’s soundtrack. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 The de Poitrines communicated between songs in their own language — which may well predate English (or French) by several millenniums. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The event celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66, complete with a performance by Hugo Elvis, a DJ playing Route 66 songs and vintage cars on site for people to view, as well as a paddle raise and silent auction. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The mood is encapsulated in the lyrics of a song by local band The Enemy. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for song
Recent Examples of Synonyms for song
  1. ballad
  2. poem
  3. melody
  4. dime
  5. poetry
  6. lyric
  7. hymn
  8. anthem
Noun
  • The ballad requires more singing and less shouting — and featured a tattooed Lee playing a white upright piano splattered and streaked with fake blood.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The result is a self-reflective collection of empowering pop anthems and wistful ballads that detail not only the dissolution of a relationship but a return to oneself.
    — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of ballad
Noun
  • With Nolan and Emma Thomas producing for Syncopy, The Odyssey adapts Homer’s epic poem in telling the story of Odysseus (Damon) making his way home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Even worse, Juliet has a three-page invitation poem about leaving all of their baggage and drama behind and meeting them in the castle.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of poem
Noun
  • The franchise’s iconic theme song is starting to play, the loud warrior drums about to give way to that ubiquitous melody.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The beats are over the top, the writing is bold and direct, and Stephens is an alluring main character with a sharp tongue and an ear for dynamic pop and R&B melodies.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of melody
Noun
  • As part of the yearlong celebration, the Mint is introducing one-year-only changes to familiar American coinage, including the circulating dime, quarter, and half dollar.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Plus, Anarumo likes to deploy nickel and dime packages, which opens the door for more defensive backs to see the field.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dime
Noun
  • Ever the writer, Parton managed to find some poetry and deeper meaning in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an I-65 rest stop.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The film chronicles Oliver’s early years as a writer, the people and places that shaped her work and the celebrated poetry that eventually earned her widespread recognition.
    — Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of poetry
Noun
  • No one had to wait to hear or at least see the lyrics, at least, since they were printed right on the front of the CD, in images disseminated by the shop.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Musgraves’ approach is to be anything but subtle in her imagery, so the lyrics can speak for themselves and open doors for other women to be just as candid.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • Little Haiti looks ahead On a humid morning in Little Haiti, about a dozen people walked into Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic Church for Mass, taking Communion and singing hymns in French.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The rugby union side’s is ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’, originally an African-American hymn sung by slaves in the United States in the mid-19th century.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • His songs spanned from party anthems to deep social commentary.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Meshell Ndegeocello is taking one of the Eighties’ frostiest break-up pop anthems somewhere much warmer.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of anthem

Phrases Containing song

Browse Nearby Words

sonant
song
song and dance
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Cite this Entry

“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/song. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on song

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about song

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