1
as in poems
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 songs
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
the guitarist sang a gentle lyric while playing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of lyrics
The song’s lyrics come from a poem his great grandmother penned more than a century ago.
—
Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
More uncomfortable than the album’s distorted genrebending are Han’s lyrics, which narrate confessional and confrontational male desire.
—James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Music with lyrics was first permitted in 2014 For years, skaters never had copyright issues because music with lyrics was verboten.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The International Skating Union didn’t allow performers to skate to songs with lyrics (even gibberish ones) until 2014, aiming to attract younger, less classically inclined viewers.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
The lyrics went beyond Evers’ white-supremacist killer, indicting an entire system that brainwashed poor white Southerners into hatred.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
Known for his catchy melodies (from heaven), encouraging lyrics, and soulful samples, there was no doubt that his tribute would start the program strong.
—Essence, 31 Jan. 2026
As Santana’s guitar sang through the that night, the emotional crowd erupted into cheers before joining in unison to sing the lyrics.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
That O’Hara can simultaneously exude the earnest sadness of her character, draw audiences into the beauty of the song, and sell lyrics that are at least a little parodic is an enchanting feat.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
More uncomfortable than the album’s distorted genrebending are Han’s lyrics, which narrate confessional and confrontational male desire.
—James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Music with lyrics was first permitted in 2014 For years, skaters never had copyright issues because music with lyrics was verboten.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
The International Skating Union didn’t allow performers to skate to songs with lyrics (even gibberish ones) until 2014, aiming to attract younger, less classically inclined viewers.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
The lyrics went beyond Evers’ white-supremacist killer, indicting an entire system that brainwashed poor white Southerners into hatred.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
Known for his catchy melodies (from heaven), encouraging lyrics, and soulful samples, there was no doubt that his tribute would start the program strong.
—Essence, 31 Jan. 2026
As Santana’s guitar sang through the that night, the emotional crowd erupted into cheers before joining in unison to sing the lyrics.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
That O’Hara can simultaneously exude the earnest sadness of her character, draw audiences into the beauty of the song, and sell lyrics that are at least a little parodic is an enchanting feat.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lyrics
Noun
-
Carl Phillips on writing the poems that changed the course of his life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The most exciting, most fun thing is writing poems.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And since leaving prison in early January, the preacher has wasted no time in spreading his gospel in a tranche of new songs published on his social media platforms.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Unlike many of his Latin pop predecessors, who released songs in English in hopes of broadening their audience, the singer has not recorded any full-length English material across his six studio albums.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every year, these flashy performances — from classic movie-musical extravaganzas to Disney earworms to Bond themes to power ballads — are the highlight of an already ridiculously flashy ceremony.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Turnpike Troubadours shows are communal affairs — a blend of high-energy jams and heartfelt ballads.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But Azor brushed aside their concerns and pushed them into a bathroom to record their vocals.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
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That is always wonderful, to hear a crowd sing a band’s songs back to them, and it was especially appreciated in this instance as the vocals were a little lost in the churning maelstrom of rock coming from the stage.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
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The old Latin Mass features readings and hymns in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the faithful in the pews.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lyrics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lyrics. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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