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.
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Recent Examples of expression
Those tensions, coupled with the Trump administration’s attacks on universities, have left some school communities wrestling with how to balance civility and safety with open expression and debate.
—
John Branch, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Far from being a relic of the past, brooches offer a unique opportunity for personal expression.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
The good news is that Mars will slip into productive Virgo on June 17, turning your focus back to passion projects, creative expression or maybe even a summer fling!
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
The use of dance and movement, costuming and even facial expressions during the performance can be as effective, even more so, than words that convey the weight of these gender expectations.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for expression
John Branch, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Far from being a relic of the past, brooches offer a unique opportunity for personal expression.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
The good news is that Mars will slip into productive Virgo on June 17, turning your focus back to passion projects, creative expression or maybe even a summer fling!
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
The use of dance and movement, costuming and even facial expressions during the performance can be as effective, even more so, than words that convey the weight of these gender expectations.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
Noun
-
Of late, Arteta’s voice has tended to carry most authority on first-team transfers.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
The Geopolitical Play Sander Gerber, CEO and CIO of $20 billion (assets) Hudson Bay Capital, was a rare voice that voiced some support for Trump’s tariff policies for the long-term health of the U.S. economy.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Bono is one of the most immediately recognizable rock stars on the planet, thanks to his signature look, which has included shades for decades, but he’s known almost entirely for his musical endeavors with his groupmates in U2.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Here, a look at the top five trends the company has identified for 2025.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Short left the post before her term expired to run for Mansfield mayor against incumbent Michael Evans but lost. Simmons, a financial adviser, ran to help guide Mansfield’s path as the city grows.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2025
-
Both are still discussed in terms of potential and the ability to break through.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Allowing kids to complete the phrases on each page in their own words is a unique, personalized touch that could also act as a time capsule.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 June 2025
-
Lin had a remarkable memory for words, phrases, and formulas.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The most successful businesses during that time were those with the ability to source materials from multiple vendors or shift their product formulations according to changing circumstances.—
Stephen DeAngelis,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Hegseth Calls the tune The U.S. was heavily involved in the formulation of the report, officials say.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Appleton was found dead in his truck with a gunshot to the side of his head and face.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
Her poise in the face of cold windy weather and a volatile opponent helped propel Gauff to victory.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
His words capture a moment of convergence between celebrity advocacy and scientific breakthrough that couldn’t be more timely.—
Greg Licholai MD,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The guy smiled at that, probably not understanding a goddam word.—
Mike O’Brien,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Unleashing Wood has ushered in an exciting new phase for a widely influential band that has defined a state-of-the-art jazz idiom deeply engaged with other genres.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
-
Scientists analyzed recordings of three groups of chimpanzees living in the Ivory Coast and found that chimps can combine their hoots, grunts and calls in a similar way to how humans use idioms or change the order of words to build new phrases.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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