Definition of idiomnext
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the English idiom "how are you doing?" is our version of a greeting that in some other languages can be translated as "how are you going?"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 idiom There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season. — Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 The Dodgers acquired Skubal in an abundantly predictable bombshell trade with the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a trio of prospects, wanting to test the idiom that a ballclub can never have enough pitching. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 The idiom and the small connecting words are all in the right places, and at this length that is hard to fake. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
Noun
  • But what struck me especially from your book is that de Gaulle was also just a very strange figure who would try to make these, in the Macron phrase, Jupiterian decisions.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • These kinds of phrases are grounding and can help contain some of that anxiety.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Current facial recognition systems, originally developed for photographs, can compare faces despite differences in pose, lighting, expression, age, and image quality.
    — Karen Chernick, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Elaborate veils and rigid dress codes gradually gave way to more personal expressions of grief, while black dresses and tailoring became enduring wardrobe staples.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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