lyric 1 of 2

noun

ˈlir-ik How to pronounce lyric (audio)
Definition of lyricnext
1
as in poem
a composition using rhythm and often rhyme to create a lyrical effect would you care to read your short lyric aloud?

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2
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment the guitarist sang a gentle lyric while playing

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lyric

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in lyrical
having a pleasantly flowing quality suggestive of music they performed a slow, lyric dance for the audience

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in poetic
having qualities suggestive of poetry the film's lyric photography really enhanced its romantic mood

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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 lyric
Noun
The musical features a book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy, which music and lyrics by Train, choreography by David Neumann, direction by Lorin Latarro and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 Between Bon Jovi being home-ish from the band's Sayreville, New Jersey, roots and also back home on stage, the resonance of the lyrics were apparent on his face. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Adjective
In Appalachia, a regional style of song emerged that transformed the narrative focus of British ballads into shorter lyric folk songs suitable for presentation on commercial recordings. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 The moment picked up additional attention because Grande’s father was photographed shaking Alvarez’s hand in the crowd during the lyric change. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lyric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lyric
  1. poem
  2. ballad
  3. lyrical
  4. poetic
  5. song
  6. hymn
  7. melodic
  8. poetical
Noun
  • In the poem, there are 108 suitors vying for Penelope’s hand (and the Ithacan throne), including Antinous who in the film is the main antagonist on the homefront.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • Taking the stage before the subdued audience, Mexico’s Alonso Ruizpalacios acknowledged the collective disappointment by turning to Elizabeth Butcher’s poem One Art.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of poem
Noun
  • But in keeping with its protagonist’s difficulty staring at his feelings head-on, The Vampire Lestat—and the marketing that preceded its premiere—doesn’t start with ballads or sensual odes to far-reaching love.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • As the group grew in fame and notoriety, their sound evolved, mixing heavy metal with more emotional, dynamic ballads.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of ballad
Adjective
  • Hers is a voice that ought to have a lifetime’s staying power, bolstered by a lyrical and musical sensibility that provide everything her instrument needs to deliver a happy succession of knockout blows.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • The Brooklyn neighborhood where, if Swiftie lyrical interpretations are to be trusted, Swift left a now-infamous scarf at the home of one Maggie Gyllenhaal around 2010.
    — Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of lyrical
Adjective
  • Bolstered by poetic visuals and stunning performances from the young cast, Thorne’s psychological approach offers profound insight into the unconscious impulses that underlie our current political crises.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
  • Last week, some of the brightest minds of my generation left us angry elegies and poetic travelogues.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of poetic
Noun
  • At 14 songs and 62 minutes, the album would have benefited from trimming three or four of the more generic tunes.
    — Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • And, really, what is the American Dream if not a nostalgic song sung in reverse?
    — Nathan King, airmail.news, 9 July 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.
    — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of hymn
Adjective
  • The double bass became both the heartbeat and the guide of jazz, supporting the ensemble while adding its own rhythmic and melodic voice.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
  • Supported by piano, bass and drums, the quartet blended jazz, soul and groove-driven improvisation, with Tillotson’s rich voice and melodic flute lines creating a distinctive sound.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of melodic
Adjective
  • There are ones who are more ideological, others more poetical.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Svelte yet heavy, Clipse’s latest sees all their phonetic and poetical gifts rendered to subtly maximal effect, with their lithe vocals cresting Pharrell’s glossy surfaces like snowfall.
    — Peter A. Berry, Variety, 11 July 2025
Definition of poetical

Browse Nearby Words

lynx-eyed
lyric
lyrical
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Cite this Entry

“Lyric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lyric. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lyric

Nglish: Translation of lyric for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lyric

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