colloquial 1 of 2

adjective

kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl How to pronounce colloquial (audio)
Definition of colloquialnext
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

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2
as in conversational
having the style and content of everyday conversation a colloquial essay on what makes a marriage successful

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

colloquial

2 of 2

noun

as in colloquialism

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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 colloquial
Adjective
The women’s game’s limited coverage meant his other honours with Umea — reaching two more UEFA Cup finals and five domestic trophies — were appreciated on a more colloquial level. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Tabloid Journalism and Audiences Tabloid newspapers not only differ in size from broadsheet newspapers but in the way articles are written; tabloid articles are typically written in a colloquial and sensational style. — Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026 Cicada’s disappearing routine Scientists who hunt for unusual Covid-19 variants waited to give this one a colloquial, or common, name. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 In a colloquial example, the operating room team can either buy a new surgical robot or a new microscope, but not both. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colloquial
  1. vernacular
  2. conversational
  3. colloquialism
  4. informal
  5. familiar
  6. idiom
  7. casual
  8. parlance
Adjective
  • Compiled in 1964 by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, this four-LP, 83-track box set was intended as an accessible survey of the roots and branches of American vernacular music.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Rote’s vernacular traditions shine through in the lontar-leaf roofs and ikat fabrics incorporated into pillows, beds, and artwork.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • In the 19-page complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, Morake argued that Jonasi had presented the translation as fact during a conversational podcast rather than as part of a stand-up routine.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
  • The company has infused AI across more surfaces of its e-commerce website, including the search bar, and has revamped its aging Alexa digital assistant with more conversational and agentic features.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of conversational
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Adjective
  • West conducted an informal poll, asking the CFOs whether the strategy function now reports to them.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • These experts give presentations and workshops on topics like how to use a camera, light, composition, and storytelling, as well as provide informal coaching during the voyage.
    — Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • Men’s European Championship 2024 Spain versus England is becoming quite familiar in finals.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Blending the vintage style of a Mary Jane shoe with the modern, casual style of a trainer, these shoes shine with their unique but familiar design.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Definition of familiar
Noun
  • Please put on your batteries — a Mexican Spanish idiom that means to cowboy up.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Rooms are comfortable and in the same white idiom, often with jet-black bathrooms; some are duplexes with high ceilings and large windows.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Definition of idiom
Adjective
  • The messages were casual, sly, a little irreverent—proof that Google wasn’t like any other company—while always amplifying the corporate mythology.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
  • Try this formula for a low-key coffee date, a day of shopping, or a casual swing by the office.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 18 July 2026
Definition of casual
Noun
  • Had Marsh taken that step — known in legal parlance as striking Basabe’s affirmative defenses — the jury would have only had to determine monetary damages against Basabe on each count, skipping the step of deciding whether to hold Basabe liable.
    — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • This season, Cardi B was there right on time—in fashion parlance, that’s only half an hour late.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 July 2026
Definition of parlance

Browse Nearby Words

collops
colloquial
colloquialism
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Cite this Entry

“Colloquial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colloquial. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of colloquial for Spanish Speakers

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