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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of lyrics
John Lennon basically saw a poster for a circus event with Henry the Horse, so that essentially became the lyrics to that song.
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
As usual, Bey’s lyrics touch on heavy themes without pressing on them.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026
Beaches features a book by Dart and Thom Thomas, music by Mike Stoller and lyrics by Dart.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
It is directed by Tony nominee Sheryl Kaller, with book and additional lyrics by original screenwriter Pamela Gray, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, and choreography by Josh Prince.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
In previews of songs for members of the media this week, lyrics had been tweaked.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Stern has dedicated his career to excavating the emotional landmines and complex origin stories that shape the lyrics, the songs, the chart-topping hits that land singers and songwriters into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
—Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Those lyrics are some of the most indelible parts of the song today.
—Nate Sloan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
The final song is uploaded to a page that includes the lyrics and artist information.
—Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 15 Apr. 2026
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
As usual, Bey’s lyrics touch on heavy themes without pressing on them.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026
Beaches features a book by Dart and Thom Thomas, music by Mike Stoller and lyrics by Dart.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
It is directed by Tony nominee Sheryl Kaller, with book and additional lyrics by original screenwriter Pamela Gray, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, and choreography by Josh Prince.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
In previews of songs for members of the media this week, lyrics had been tweaked.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Stern has dedicated his career to excavating the emotional landmines and complex origin stories that shape the lyrics, the songs, the chart-topping hits that land singers and songwriters into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
—Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Those lyrics are some of the most indelible parts of the song today.
—Nate Sloan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
The final song is uploaded to a page that includes the lyrics and artist information.
—Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lyrics
Noun
-
On the night, Eva had largely chosen poems by 20th-century American writers — everything from Lucille Clifton to Philip Levine — in response to Kaufman’s work.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
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Matsumoto worked with collaborators to translate the book of tanka poems so everyone in her family could read them.—
Myrna Petlicki,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That qualifies as a bold move in an era when legendary and up-and-coming artists alike often hesitate to perform even one or two songs from their latest albums — the better to avoid an exodus of attendees making a beeline for refreshments, restrooms or the merch booths.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Her songs in the film — written by Charli xcx, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs, who also co-stars — also have real pop bona fides.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The ballads speak about love, but from a relaxed place.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Interspersed with folk ballads, this fantasia-like play certainly creates a mood, but struggles to tell a cohesive story.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and acrobatic stage shows, dipped her toe into hosting duties back in March by guest-hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
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Labrinth, the British singer and songwriter whose ethereal vocals have served as Euphoria’s musical identity, will not feature in Season Three of the HBO hit, Rolling Stone has confirmed.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Christian hymns were sung in English and Creole.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
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The music is eclectic and includes sounds associated with Islam as well as bluegrass, hymns and spirituals.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lyrics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lyrics. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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