1
as in poems
a composition using rhythm and often rhyme to create a lyrical effect
would you care to read your short lyric aloud?
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2
as in songs
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
the guitarist sang a gentle lyric while playing
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Recent Examples of lyrics
At the end, Bono ad libbed lyrics for the occasion.
—
Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Continue reading … MISSED SIGNALS — Bunnie Xo dropped cryptic lyrics, ditched her ring before Jelly Roll divorce news broke.
—FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Ozzy was the madman up front, usually singing brooding lyrics written by Geezer.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026
Local MCs, even Larsen's mother, read old lyrics, which were combined with old recordings and fed into an AI program.
—Jason Rantala, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The production features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
The show features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
That covers the music; the lyrics and composition are an entirely separate right known as publishing, which, by contrast, follows the composition, and therefore the song through every new recording.
—Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2026
On two sensuous, R&B-leaning songs in the middle of the record, Káryyn’s newfound directness is reflected in her lyrics.
—Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Continue reading … MISSED SIGNALS — Bunnie Xo dropped cryptic lyrics, ditched her ring before Jelly Roll divorce news broke.
—FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Ozzy was the madman up front, usually singing brooding lyrics written by Geezer.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026
Local MCs, even Larsen's mother, read old lyrics, which were combined with old recordings and fed into an AI program.
—Jason Rantala, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The production features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
The show features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
That covers the music; the lyrics and composition are an entirely separate right known as publishing, which, by contrast, follows the composition, and therefore the song through every new recording.
—Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2026
On two sensuous, R&B-leaning songs in the middle of the record, Káryyn’s newfound directness is reflected in her lyrics.
—Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lyrics
Noun
-
Besides the Arkansas diamond, New Mexican bolo tie, and Maine’s whale bone, many states contributed commemorative coins, letters from their state leaders, and poems.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
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The song’s most revealing lyrics come in its second verse, when Rodrigo sings of this girl sending him poems and posting in his clothes.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Noun
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That’s why people continue to write songs about it.—
Holly Gleason,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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The musical comedy adventure will feature original songs from Flight of the Conchords actor and writer Bret McKenzie and a script from Martin Hynes, who co-wrote Toy Story 4.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Sarnoski’s film takes its title from one of those ballads, in which Robin Hood — long before there was any Maid Marian to speak of — was a mere yeoman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
-
Singer Bradley Nowell drunk-steered his band through sordid anthems, crashing through references to classic ska and dancehall songs, shouting out Rudimentary Peni and Geto Boys, and re-setting the murder ballads and drug sprees of outlaw country in suburban California.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
Noun
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For the album, Simon enlisted John Forté, who died earlier this year, as well as Simon's son Ben, who appears on the project as a singer, musician, producer, and songwriter, in addition to her daughter Sally, who contributes vocals and created the cover artwork for the single.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
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Impressive also is the score from Tony Lewis and folk singer Jim Ghedi, including the uniquely haunting vocals from the latter.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations.—
Hillary Richard,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
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But please, lots of rousing hymns.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lyrics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lyrics. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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