so to speak
idiom
—used to indicate that one is using words in an unusual or figurative way rather than a literal way
We need to be all on the same wavelength, so to speak.
Examples of so to speak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Did that day take a while to rinse off, so to speak?
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025
This could lead to 'psychological defeat,' so to speak, and impact overall wellness and quality of life.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Maybe even change the visual language of the finale slightly to include the families or have Mel’s F1 lay out her terms of engagement, so to speak.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
There’s a type of American the government ‘marries,’ so to speak, and a type of person the government doesn’t want any relationship with.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so to speak
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.
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025
This could lead to 'psychological defeat,' so to speak, and impact overall wellness and quality of life.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Maybe even change the visual language of the finale slightly to include the families or have Mel’s F1 lay out her terms of engagement, so to speak.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
There’s a type of American the government ‘marries,’ so to speak, and a type of person the government doesn’t want any relationship with.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so to speak
Cite this Entry
“So to speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/so%20to%20speak. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share