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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That neighbor also raised concerns about security, saying fewer on-site resources and changes in how calls are handled have left some people feeling uneasy.—
Daniel Wilkerson,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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For years, would-be first-time homebuyers have complained about the skimpy inventory of starter homes, saying costly McMansion-style subdivisions are all that’s being built now.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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There’s nothing quite as humbling as crouching next to a random airport outlet.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Some union leaders for health care workers with Allina released a statement upon the announcement of this deal expressing some concerns.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
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The shooting unleashed a stream of political reaction, with Republicans quick to blame Pritzker and his fellow Democrats for championing the state’s sanctuary policies, using them as a political cudgel in expressing outrage over Gorman’s killing.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 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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Along with valid photo identification, occupants must also provide a statement from a licensed physician stating that a permanent disability severely limits aspects of their daily lives.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
28 Mar. 2026
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Reuters first reported on the breach March 27, stating that a Justice Department official confirmed the breach and said material published online appeared to be authentic.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Republican leaders said Democrats are putting the country at risk.—
LISA MASCARO,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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The King and Queen were metaphorically putting an arm around them.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couching. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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