homophonic

Definition of homophonicnext

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 homophonic My introduction to homophonic translation came from my former teacher, Mónica de la Torre. Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2026 How does this make any sense except as a very stupid, clumsy, idiotic no good way to give us a homophonic bridge to Gandalf. Erik Kain, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 The content creator also used a homophonic slur at several points throughout the clip. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2024 The encryption turned out to be a homophonic cipher, in which each letter of the alphabet can be encoded in several different ways. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Feb. 2023 So homophonic ciphers used multiple symbols interchangeably for high-frequency letters, Lasry says. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2023 Mary used what is called a homophonic cipher, where each letter is replaced with a certain symbol. Town & Country, 8 Feb. 2023 The ciphers were homophonic, meaning each letter of the alphabet could be encoded using several cipher symbols, according to the researchers. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for homophonic
Adjective
  • This polyphonic novel already has a chorus, thanks to its humdinger cast of ensemble characters.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • All operatic singing, especially the polyphonic (multipart) style known as bel canto, requires tremendous breath control and vocal skill.
    René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the first etude, strings play on open strings, which creates a sense of harmonic healing by leaving nature well enough alone.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Humanoid robots built on harmonic drives, a type of gear system used to transmit torque with very high precision, often used in industrial robots, can weigh 150 to 200 pounds.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Their pursuit leads them down a highly unusual path with no easy answers, and Bong masterfully balances tonal shifts from bleak tragedy to absurdist humor to highlight why the case remains so compelling.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
  • That tonal high-wire act extended throughout the series beyond the music and into the work of the entire post-production sound team.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • That approach helps give the record its unusually loose rhythmic feel.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
  • For Ginsberg, ever-attuned to the rhythmic physicality of verse, the central atom of poetry wasn’t the line or the foot, but rather the breath, emphasizing that his were longer than his free verse hero Whitman because the good, grey poet probably had smaller lungs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The orchestral contributions from Clare Fischer transformed Black music into something deeply emotive.
    Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
  • The orchestra is huge, the musical invention, irresistible, and the sheer scale of orchestral writing is downright heroic.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Probably because at the time many of the time signatures and chordal progressions that Miles used were over the head of a young guitar player still functioning in the blues and folk idioms.
    Steve Baltin, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
  • Hudson buttressed Al Kooper’s original organ part into a chordal fortress, part of an incendiary performance that surges to peak after peak.
    Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike the rich, powerful qualities of a dramatic soprano, or the warm, singing tone of a lyric soprano, the coloratura soprano possesses a high range (to the second C above middle C and higher) and extreme agility.
    René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
  • In the end, Turn (W)here became largely a book of experimental and lyric essays, some framed as archival documents, passport stamps, and definitions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Halberstam called Heat games on radio from 1992 to 1998, displaying a lyrical style and a rich command of the English language.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
  • The lyrical direction of this record intrigued me.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 31 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Homophonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/homophonic. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster