Thesaurus results for CODE WORD

code word

noun

Definition of code word

as in dead metaphor

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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 code word When the MPKs didn’t know the Marines’ secret code word, the Marines slaughtered them and then shrugged and walked away from all their dead bodies to stay on mission (as in, kill more Marsies). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2026 To coordinate events in real time, the team used code words and hand signals. — Justin Ray, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 For our district, seniority has become a code word for stagnation. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 Sampson says her family now uses a code word. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for code word

Recent Examples of Synonyms for code word

Noun

The media are somewhat responsible, so apologies for beating a dead metaphor.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
This shift reminds us that dead metaphors aren’t always terminally dead.

— Rob Nixon, Smithsonian, 23 Mar. 2018

Definition of dead metaphor

Noun

Isla’s mother, Chloe Howell, said the tween loves to crack jokes at home and came up with the funny simile herself.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
An image may resonate with deeper meanings (that’s what great directors can bring about), but the compression and displacement that make the simile devastating on the page have no cinematic equivalent.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Definition of simile

Noun

Orwell was exploring the roles that euphemism, tangled syntax, and dying metaphors can play in obscuring the true intentions of a totalitarian state.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
This is nothing more than a euphemism for encouraging less citizen input and involvement in determining city policies and spending priorities.

— Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of euphemism

Noun

But in terms of its actual content, the statement was pretty thin gruel, bristling with public relations-style circumlocution and vagueness.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Here, instead, she’s swayed by a dead Diana softly squeezing her hand and kindly hinting — the dead Diana is an ace at tactful circumlocution — that now is the time to show a mourning nation some emotion.

— Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

Definition of circumlocution

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codevelopers

code word

code words

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“Code word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/code%20word. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of code word

noun

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