phrasing

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ 

1

: style of expression : phraseology

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

Synonyms of phrasing

• voice
• formulation
• wording
• expression

Examples of phrasing in a Sentence

The phrasing of the instructions was confusing.

a singer known for her elegant phrasing

Recent Examples on the Web

The synths return to spectacular effect as a lead-in to one of those guitar leads any fan would recognize as May by the end of the opening flourish based entirely on tone and phrasing. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025

The way poetry defamiliarizes language and seeks unique phrasings seems to scramble this software’s ability to sort text. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

Rough phrasing can be powered through on an ATV of anthemic feeling — thus the career of Tim Rice — but Barne and Buchan are aiming to find depth in the small, and every lyrical imprecision destabilizes the whole. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025

The phrasing drew sharp criticism from Netanyahu, who has vowed to oppose any move toward a Palestinian state. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phrasing

• blazing
• brazing
• crazing
• gazing
• glazing
• grazing
• hazing
• lasing
• phasing
• praising
• raising
• razing

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun

phras·​ing

ˈfrā-ziŋ

1

: phraseology sense 1

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases