Definition of dictionnext
1
as in articulation
the clear and accurate pronunciation of words especially in public speaking Shakespearean actors with very good diction

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2
as in language
the way in which something is put into words the spare diction that is the hallmark of the poetry of Robert Frost

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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 diction This isn’t to suggest that Young needs to pick up where Hunt has left off, in terms of salty diction. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Feldmann, a relatively recent Juilliard graduate, showed his Lieder-singing chops in the Viennese fare, his tone robust, his diction crisp. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026 Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm. — Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 With the program and song texts only available to download on the cellphone, the audience was left in the dark without texts and, with amplification obscuring diction, not knowing what’s what. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diction
Noun
  • The suspension is smooth on road and capable off, with generous wheel articulation, with 24 inches of fording ability.
    — Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Mattel Mattel’s KPop Demon Hunters action figures have anywhere from 18 to 21 points of articulation.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Even as strong as the UNEP report is, the language of who does mitigation is so vague as to almost verge on the passive voice.
    — Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The ballot measure’s opponents have argued the language around broadband facilities is broad enough to include the controversial facilities.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Humphrey closed out the service with an impassioned speech asking attendees to call their Senator to support a bill US.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The war crimes that were brought to the fore on the stage by Macklemore’s speech are the ones that should be the primary focus.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The June agreement collapsed after disputes over the memo's vague wording, including language related to who would control the strait.
    — Ava Pukatch, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Just two years ago, Microsoft launched its Copilot+ PC brand to identify AI-first computers with exclusive artificial intelligence features, but that wording is nowhere to be found on recent Microsoft devices or OEM products.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Much the same can be said of Noël Coward, who learned his crisp enunciation through sheer aspirational effort.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Moira was a constant scene-stealer, with her over-the-top outfits and unique enunciation.
    — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Venkatarayalu also said the company is exploring how to teach AI about chemistry, such as catalyst formulation.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • How atoms behave at the quantum level dictates the properties molecules and materials have, so understanding their wave functions is key, and Schrödinger’s formulation became widely used for this purpose.
    — Sophya Garashchuk, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Macho Cowboy At the top of the pinnacle of power within the telenovela structure is the macho cowboy whose high emotional expressions of jealousy, anger, and confrontation are accepted as passionate acts of strength or romantic gestures.
    — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • For Summer Nacewicz, Alo’s executive vice president of marketing and creative, the store will become a full expression of the brand’s belief in how Alo wants to redefine luxury.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diction. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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