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
Relevance
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
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of colloquial
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
The rest of the book is spent expanding on these maxims one by one, in her colloquial, easy style, with references to classic psychological studies, her own research and her own experiences.
—Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 25 Nov. 2025
Through it all, the specifically colloquial quality of the dialogue and the delivery of the vivacious voice cast preserves the film’s Mexican identity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
The language is colloquial, down-to-earth.
—Andrew Rojecki, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Adjective
In Hong Kong, for instance, most people speak Cantonese, an informal and colloquial language that has its own version of a gender-neutral pronoun – lessening the demand for a new character, said Wan, of rights group Gender Empowerment.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
The rest of the book is spent expanding on these maxims one by one, in her colloquial, easy style, with references to classic psychological studies, her own research and her own experiences.
—Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 25 Nov. 2025
Through it all, the specifically colloquial quality of the dialogue and the delivery of the vivacious voice cast preserves the film’s Mexican identity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
The language is colloquial, down-to-earth.
—Andrew Rojecki, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colloquial
Adjective
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Some authors of quasi-impossible books like Nabokov (Ada, or Ardor), Pynchon (Gravity’s Rainbow) and Wallace (Infinite Jest) nevertheless manage to write unfailingly entertaining sentences that never lose a certain vernacular crackle, and that are often funny.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Poverty pimp entered the vernacular as shorthand for a nonprofit leader who became expert at accessing federal money while deflecting oversight demands as anti-poor.—
Stephen Eide,
The Atlantic,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The footage later circulated widely on social media, with many viewers pointing to the calm, conversational tone of the exchange — a simple driveway interaction unfolding while much of the city waited for power to return.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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For his standup act, Bellamy blends conversational storytelling with observational humor, often drawing on his background in music and pop culture.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.—
Claire McNear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Texas finished second in the rankings only behind Kentucky, which picked up all 16 first-place votes in the informal poll.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The activity appeared to take place entirely on a public street, with agitators effectively setting up what resembled an informal checkpoint aimed at identifying or tracking federal immigration agents operating in the city.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
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This moment marks the transition from familiar to unpredictable.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But as the practice evolved, eager writers like Jefferson and John Adams (but not George Washington or James Madison, for instance), gravitated to a richer, sympathy-bearing idiom, which no doubt bled into intimate speech, now lost.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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All's fair in love and war — an idiom that Cressida (second from left, played by Jessica Madsen) and her meddling mama would do well to remember while courting the Prince!—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The restaurant employs roughly 80 people and has long been known for its casual atmosphere and accessibility in a town increasingly defined by high-end shops and restaurants.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Marvel's first series for Disney+ proved to be a home run, for long-term MCU fans and casual viewers alike.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In its latest initiative, Berlin’s legendary Kino Babylon will host a showcase of recent notable titles from the Guadalajara Festival, FICG in popular parlance, and headed from 2019 by Estrella Araiza.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
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It was once said, for instance, that Disney’s cast members — staff, in park parlance — would be able to recognize if someone’s personality leaned resistance, First Order or rogue.—
Todd Martens,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Colloquial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colloquial. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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