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?"
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idiom
The Western musical tradition is mostly sidelined in favor of kuduro, gqom, batida, and sounds too free of familiar musical idioms to be easily categorized.
—
Will Lynch, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Like the idiom, their coffee shop hopes to bring surprising offerings to the coffee scene.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Buildings—a contemporary, fluid interpretation of the Cretan idiom by Pieris.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Will Lynch, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Like the idiom, their coffee shop hopes to bring surprising offerings to the coffee scene.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Buildings—a contemporary, fluid interpretation of the Cretan idiom by Pieris.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
Noun
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The phrase is everywhere in international relations circles, but the explanation is almost nowhere.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
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In the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the story of America is that of a nation striving to become a more perfect union, a phrase Obama returned to often in his speeches.—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
4 June 2026
Noun
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This includes my place not only as a writer—who like my grandfather had, is writing books, teaching college, and engaged in psychoanalytic thought—but also as a someone who has similarly dedicated her life to the pursuit of learning, understanding, and expression through language.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
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Master Medal Laelia Añejo is a boutique expression produced at Casa Natima in Amatitán.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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