1
as in vernacular
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
the new coworker's rudeness soon began—to use a colloquial expression—to rub me the wrong way
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conversational
having the style and content of everyday conversation
a colloquial essay on what makes a marriage successful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in colloquialism
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of colloquial
George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope Trollope is a more colloquial writer.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
There was something about Mecano’s language: it was spoken, colloquial, very Eighties, and unafraid to just say things.
—Vita Dadoo, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Because back nine is close to backside, and backside is just far too colloquial.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Noun
So what follows is the colloquial Q&A, more or less unedited, from my email exchange with that reporter.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope Trollope is a more colloquial writer.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
There was something about Mecano’s language: it was spoken, colloquial, very Eighties, and unafraid to just say things.
—Vita Dadoo, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Because back nine is close to backside, and backside is just far too colloquial.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colloquial
Adjective
-
The musical tastes and vernacular of Abbie and Leila also come from that era of Martin's life.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
-
There are terms of affection for groups of players like the Busby Babes or Fergie’s Fledglings, but these were coined and used by journalists and not used in everyday vernacular.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Noun
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This could involve helping systems learn colloquialisms and proper usages of terms.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Mar. 2025
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You would be forgiven for assuming this a playful colloquialism, perhaps revealing a tenderness to the hunt.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For years, stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to a fiat currency, operated in a patchwork of state laws, informal guidance, and regulation by enforcement.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Valencia had been killed in 2009, before Ricky Pike and his parents had thrown themselves into organizing aid for other families of homicide victims in an informal network of logistical help, money for flowers or transportation and other support.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As the new general manager of the Farmington Civic Theater, Clare Cooney plans to add some indie films to the historic Farmington landmark’s familiar mix of tentpole movies and family favorites, writes Julie Hinds.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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For many people, a society where women average 1.8 or 1.9 children would feel familiar.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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He had been raised on some of the similar idioms and great nuances of English and Irish folk music.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
16 July 2025
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Even something as silly as that hockey idiom challenge couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for long.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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With 131 stylish rooms, lush linens, rainfall showers, minibars and free Wi‑Fi, the hotel offers comfort and charm, not to mention a casual, youthful vibe and unstuffy service-with-a-smile.—
David Weiss,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Rihanna teamed the dress with oversize earrings and a rose ring and, for a casual twist, some lime green sneakers.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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One part of this process, known in Senate parlance as reconciliation, provisions legislation being moved in this manner to increase the federal deficit beyond the next 10-year budget window.—
Andrea Ruth,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Aug. 2025
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In Wall Street parlance, the float refers to the number of shares available to the public.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And that gossipy nature that Berger captured appears to be accurate in tone: Vatican insiders have been leaking anonymous attacks against rivals to the Roman press, while some top contenders have suddenly been linked to abuse cases.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
7 May 2025
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Reading back over her sister’s occasionally gossipy letters, maybe Cassie thought those qualities were just too dangerous to reveal publicly.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colloquial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colloquial. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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