expression

noun

ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
Definition of expressionnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words the poem is his expression of his grief upon the loss of his beloved wife

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2
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling we could tell by the fans' expressions that the Chicago Cubs had lost again

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3
as in term
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field the expression "John Doe" is used in legal proceedings to refer to a person whose actual name is either unknown or being withheld from the public

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4
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the popular expression "raining cats and dogs" is meaningless in other languages

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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 expression The grotesque offers a reprieve—if not liberation, then at least a means of expression. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026 Facial expressions can certainly lie, but the close-up of Tielemans’ face shows a penalty taker who seems to be in a state of almost complete composure — relaxed gaze, slow breathing rate and peaceful but deliberate movements. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Yellowstone Bourbon announced its new Yellowstone Limited Edition 2026, an annual expression that changes up its formula with each edition. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2026 The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) will start the process by asking developers for expressions of interest. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
  1. voice
  2. look
  3. term
  4. phrase
  5. formulation
  6. smile
  7. word
  8. idiom
Noun
  • Alicia Guerra of the firm Buchalter spoke at the June 16 meeting to voice concerns on behalf of the city related to the project.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • Erez picks it up, stares through the crosshairs, as a voice on the phone instructs them how to aim and shoot.
    — Marisa Fox, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Office experts say buildings that lack a story, especially in Atlanta’s current market, likely won’t convince anyone to give them a second look.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
  • For such a conspicuous color, the look was surprisingly restrained.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Recent history has seen star players sign for the max term of eight years out of their entry-level deals, as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Jack Eichel did.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • As a result, issuers will likely have to provide more attractive terms, meaning their borrowing costs will rise.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of term
Noun
  • The study will examine whether the system could allow survivors to discreetly communicate with law enforcement using pre-established codes or phrases when making a phone call is not safe.
    — Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • While sharing her Beauty Secrets with Vogue, the 20-year-old explains that the bittersweet ballad was inspired by a Japanese phrase that means, essentially, everything beautiful is temporary.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 July 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Season34, a Coral Gables, Florida brand, launched nine hormone-free formulations built so users can combine them without exceeding global safety thresholds for any ingredient.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Nutrition labels vary by flavor and formulation, so shoppers who track macros closely will want to check each bottle before checking out.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • All this focus on how patients look in photos has led Talei to do in-depth studies of how a smile changes over time, resulting in his specialty of smile modulation.
    — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Gordon is cherub-faced, with low affect, speaks in a laconic and analytic style, and has a wry and elusive smile.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of smile
Noun
  • The game’s objective is to group words or objects into four groups of four based on commonalities within each group as quickly as possible.
    — Mark Cooper, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The latter line, in its phrasing and melody and even the musical tone of its words, is an almost perfect mimic of Santa Claus asking Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to guide his sleigh.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026
Definition of word
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

Browse Nearby Words

expressing
expression
expressionist
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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of expression for Spanish Speakers

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