vernacular 1 of 2

adjective

vər-ˈna-kyə-lər How to pronounce vernacular (audio)
Definition of vernacularnext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing writes essays in a very easy-to-read, vernacular style

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

vernacular

2 of 2

noun

1
as in idiom

Related Words
2
as in binomial

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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 vernacular
Adjective
Because the alcohol drives the storytellers toward vernacular expression, these pieces can seem more alive and authentic, more relatable, than big-budget, big-screen productions. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Among other things, the council revolutionized the Catholic Church’s relations with other religions and the laity, and allowed Mass to be celebrated in vernacular languages rather than Latin. — ABC News, 30 June 2026
Noun
At the height of Messi’s era-defining rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, as the great Barcelona team of Pep Guardiola clashed with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, Spanish football was a global spectacle that helped to add new vocabulary, and more of a hispanic flavour, to the football vernacular. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Paramount’s core belief is that brand extensions — including, in the current vernacular, immersive experiences such as restaurants — can’t be exploitative. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vernacular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vernacular
  1. colloquial
  2. idiom
  3. binomial
  4. colloquialism
  5. misnomer
  6. parlance
  7. brand name
  8. regionalism
Adjective
  • Wilson’s translation has come under fire for her decision to render Homeric Greek into a direct, colloquial English.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Definition of colloquial
Noun
  • Holden Caulfield is made to tell his own story, in his own strange idiom.
    — Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Please put on your batteries — a Mexican Spanish idiom that means to cowboy up.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of idiom
Noun
  • Whatever its origin story, it might be argued that as the shortest binomial composed entirely of vowels, Ia io gives scientists reason enough to shout hurrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • She is credited with naming and cataloging hundreds of native plants in the Hudson River Valley using Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus’ then-new binomial system of botanical nomenclature.
    — Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024
Definition of binomial
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Noun
  • The name was a misnomer, as the species, known scientifically as Rubus armeniacus, is actually native to Armenia and northern Iran.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome was always a misnomer.
    — Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
Definition of misnomer
Noun
  • Had Marsh taken that step — known in legal parlance as striking Basabe’s affirmative defenses — the jury would have only had to determine monetary damages against Basabe on each count, skipping the step of deciding whether to hold Basabe liable.
    — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • This season, Cardi B was there right on time—in fashion parlance, that’s only half an hour late.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 July 2026
Definition of parlance
Noun
  • But products sold under the same brand name abroad contain different active ingredients.
    — Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
  • The same cannot be said of GB1, the new brand name for Ainslie’s fourth assault on the America’s Cup, regarded as the pinnacle of international sailing.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of brand name
Noun
  • The concept of critical regionalism may seem like a poor fit for New York, that proud engine of globalism, crucible of efficiency, and maximizer of revenue.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Just don’t let the deniers know that regionalism and sustainability are essentially one and the same.
    — Richard Olsen, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of regionalism

Browse Nearby Words

vermin
vernacular
vernacularism
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Cite this Entry

“Vernacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vernacular. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vernacular

Nglish: Translation of vernacular for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vernacular

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