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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in songs
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
the guitarist sang a gentle lyric while playing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 lyrics
That same urban canyon effect made lyrics even harder to catch.
—
Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
With their blissful harmonies and flowery, mystical lyrics, the Texas duo embodied soft rock, ushering in the genre at the dawn of the Seventies with a gentle nudge and a tip of Seals’ signature newsboy cap.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
South African composer Lebohang Morake, the Grammy-winning artist who wrote and performed the iconic opening chant of The Lion King, has filed a lawsuit against comedian Learnmore Jonasi over a translation of those lyrics that went viral.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The revival features a new book by Danny Strong, music and lyrics by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice (Evita), direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress).
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
And now that original story also features songs created by some of the best in the industry — Grammy and Emmy Awards winner Alan Silvestri (music) and Grammy winner Glen Ballard (lyrics).
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
Those self-aware lyrics are paired with breezy melody and a gently rollicking rhythm, making this feel like a freewheeling summertime favorite.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026
These include artist of the year, song of the year, pop song of the year, favorite TikTok dance, best lyrics, best music video, favorite on screen and favorite tour style.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
He is known for his distinctive style and humorous lyrics.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2026
Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
With their blissful harmonies and flowery, mystical lyrics, the Texas duo embodied soft rock, ushering in the genre at the dawn of the Seventies with a gentle nudge and a tip of Seals’ signature newsboy cap.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
South African composer Lebohang Morake, the Grammy-winning artist who wrote and performed the iconic opening chant of The Lion King, has filed a lawsuit against comedian Learnmore Jonasi over a translation of those lyrics that went viral.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The revival features a new book by Danny Strong, music and lyrics by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice (Evita), direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress).
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
And now that original story also features songs created by some of the best in the industry — Grammy and Emmy Awards winner Alan Silvestri (music) and Grammy winner Glen Ballard (lyrics).
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
Those self-aware lyrics are paired with breezy melody and a gently rollicking rhythm, making this feel like a freewheeling summertime favorite.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026
These include artist of the year, song of the year, pop song of the year, favorite TikTok dance, best lyrics, best music video, favorite on screen and favorite tour style.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
He is known for his distinctive style and humorous lyrics.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lyrics
Noun
-
His poems employ numbers significant to Dine (Navajo) thought and ways of life.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
-
There’s hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of poems in my journals that come right after a sad story or a happy story or whatever.—
Jessica Firger,
SELF,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These outsized musical personalities often leave more distinctive fingerprints on the songs than the BTS members themselves do.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The centerpiece is Love Rocks, built around seven songs by Lenny Kravitz.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In stark contrast to the treacly ballads of 2025’s Every Video Without Your Face, Every Sound Without Your Name, Mr Cobra is all jagged edges, informed by free jazz, musique concrète, and experimental cinema.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Yet the ballads are also strong, conveying palpable sorrow as the family members figure up their losses.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lebohang Morake — the Grammy-winning South African composer behind the film’s opening Zulu vocals — filed a federal civil complaint in California on March 16 against the comedian, Learnmore Jonasi, alleging that the translation is false and damaging to his life’s work.—
Joe Kottke,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The trio trade verses and backing vocals while Puth defers to his heroes for their keyboards and guitar, respectively.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The arena filled with the sound of hymns, and the Mass featured Bible readings, Holy Communion and a homily.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
-
In a manner that feels prototypical of the plant’s subsequent valorization across other cultures, the cucumber makes an appearance in the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns belonging to the canonical Hindu tradition.—
Andrés Muedano,
JSTOR Daily,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lyrics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lyrics. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
