Thesaurus results for COLLOQUIALISM

colloquialism

noun

Definition of colloquialism

as in dialect

a word or phrase that is used mostly in informal speech; a colloquial expression His English is very good, but he has trouble understanding certain colloquialisms.

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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 colloquialism Gestures, colloquialisms, facial expressions, local cuisine, and the like are not incidental to a tongue but constitute it; sometimes, to capture a word or phrase, in writing or in an algorithm, is to stamp out its meaning. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 This could involve helping systems learn colloquialisms and proper usages of terms. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 You would be forgiven for assuming this a playful colloquialism, perhaps revealing a tenderness to the hunt. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 While Niles’ lack of dialogue and his comedic chops can translate well and lead to worldwide exposure, a character whose appeal depends on English-language jokes and colloquialisms is harder to export. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for colloquialism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for colloquialism

Noun

With so many speakers in different places, Spanish has developed ten different main dialects.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Others argued that the characters should be speaking with Greek accents or even in an ancient Greek dialect to honor the source material’s roots in Greek mythology.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of dialect

Noun

Standardizing Treasury Metrics Faces Real Obstacles The first obstacle is linked to terminology and classification, which while seemingly straightforward to address, have remained an open item for the accounting profession.

— Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
ChatGPT, however, rendered the scene using sterile, abstract terminology.

— Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of terminology

Noun

The petition argues Mays’ language during the trial revealed something deeper than a poor defense strategy — a worldview that dehumanized the man he was supposed to defend.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The English-language voice cast features Lenny Henry, while five-time Grammy Award-winners Michael League and Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy contribute to the original score.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of language

Noun

There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season.

— Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
The Dodgers acquired Skubal in an abundantly predictable bombshell trade with the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a trio of prospects, wanting to test the idiom that a ballclub can never have enough pitching.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of idiom

Noun

Young artists like the members of the Chilean boy band Q_ARE are fusing these elements with Latin music styles, Spanish and English lyrics and Chilean slang to pioneer a uniquely Latino pop subgenre.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
The latest slang to capture the Gen Z zeitgeist is a way to say poser, try-hard or fraud.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of slang

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colloquialism

colloquialisms

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“Colloquialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colloquialism. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of colloquialism

noun

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