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

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 Nonnas There's a saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) of 2025's Nonnas is the perfect depiction of the idiom. Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Because the construction is a natural and graceful part of our English idiom. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 Human reviewers still refine idiom and theology, but the transformation in speed will be similar to the jump from quill to printing press. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025 These systems can interpret regional slang, idioms and context-specific expressions, hence minimizing both over-censorship and under-enforcement. Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
phrase
Noun
  • Or that very phrase could have done it.
    Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Just hearing this phrase whispered on the other end of the phone is enough to send a chill up your spine.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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