1
as in saying
to convey in appropriate or telling terms
I'm trying to couch this delicately: I don't think we should date anymore
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in crouching
to lie low with the limbs close to the body
I couched behind the partition so as to avoid an awkward situation with my ex
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of couching
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.
—
Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026
Writers of autofiction have been accused of trying to preëmpt criticism by couching their work in self-awareness.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
After about half an hour of couching his fears in technical language and cautious caveats, the OpenAI CEO finally did.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026
Writers of autofiction have been accused of trying to preëmpt criticism by couching their work in self-awareness.
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
After about half an hour of couching his fears in technical language and cautious caveats, the OpenAI CEO finally did.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couching
Verb
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Using a Negroni and up to two glasses of Malbec, get through pre-appetizer chitchat, group ordering, salad, entrées, dessert, all the way to the Uber ride home, without oversharing or otherwise saying anything that will result in an emotional hangover the next morning.—
Charles Yu,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Minutes later, dispatchers received another call saying that the suspect was a relative of the caller and that about nine people lived inside the home.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another photo captures the soon-to-be bride and groom crouching down on the sand with their two pet dogs.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises those who come in contact with mountain lions to stay calm and remain still, never run or approach a lion and avoid crouching down or bending over.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Beltran said expressing those emotions can bring people together.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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This includes Tallent, who looked in the mirror and smiled with tears in her eyes, expressing her gratitude.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Now, viral video footage of a group of dogs stranded on the side of a busy roadway in China has drawn plenty of comparisons to the story, showing a reminiscent group of household critters huddling together.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
26 Mar. 2026
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The final days of our ordeal blurred into a nightmare of torment, wandering while daylight lasted and huddling under open shelters at night, shaking with cold.—
Elwyn "Bud" Myers,
Outdoor Life,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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But when the lens shifts toward the interior, articulating the woman’s private monologues, the attitude is softer and more generous, even when her words seem steeped in a sense of ongoing dread.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Zoo officials were quick to clarify the nature of the encounter, stating that the wolf’s behavior was not aggressive.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
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Both leaders repeatedly failed to provide financial records to the union’s executive board and trustees, stating that the credit card statements were not ready to be shared with the board.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some hedge funds and financial services firms are buying businesses' tariff refund claims, putting money in importers' pockets immediately, while taking on the administrative burden of applying for a refund, according to Flexport's Manders.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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When the Hornets needed a 3 late in the game, Hornets coach Charles Lee chose against putting Knueppel in the game.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couching. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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