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
Around 1945, tired of boisterous Chicago crowds, Muddy went electric, creating a whole new idiom of Chicago blues.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Though the idiom of abuse has changed, the critics are as hostile as ever, while their targets react only with curious torpor.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Music unites the interconnecting stories in this saga and expands its passions, with a sumptuous score by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens that taps into a wide range of American styles, idioms and amalgams, even as the second act turns more dissonant.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
The history of labor struggle, infused with religious idioms, is a source of identity and values evident in everything from union meetings in churches to prayers on picket lines.
—The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Though the idiom of abuse has changed, the critics are as hostile as ever, while their targets react only with curious torpor.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Music unites the interconnecting stories in this saga and expands its passions, with a sumptuous score by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens that taps into a wide range of American styles, idioms and amalgams, even as the second act turns more dissonant.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
The history of labor struggle, infused with religious idioms, is a source of identity and values evident in everything from union meetings in churches to prayers on picket lines.
—The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
Noun
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The iconic phrase is one of the several trademarks the actor has filed to establish a clear boundary against AI misuse.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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In the cold air round the back of the Corner Pin before the Spurs-Villa cup tie, Adam Nathan and Adam Manson reach for similar phrases when discussing Tottenham’s despondency.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The clip, which has amassed over 14 million views and nearly 3 million likes, shows the little girl, who was only 4 days old at the time, with a grumpy expression on her face as her brother leans in for the smooch.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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When Noma does a pop-up, the kitchen team immerses itself in the local flora, fauna, and culinary cultures to create a tasting menu that speaks not just to the restaurant’s style but is also an expression of the place the restaurant is taking up residency in.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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