as in songs
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
this week, we'll learn to play a more complicated melody on the saxophone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of melodies
The rhythm section is downright molten, an understated, earthy sway beneath Davis’ soaring melodies.
—
Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 June 2026
In some ways, Foreign Tongues is an improvement on Hackney Diamonds, in that the latter occasionally sounded a little too much like a Jagger solo record in its emphasis on vocal melodies; this one feels more guitar-centric and holistically Stones-y.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Fans and critics met her pivot with begrudging respect, thanks to the strength of the album’s melodies.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 15 June 2026
For Corinne Bailey Rae, lyrics and melodies can reveal new possibilities.
—Christopher A. Daniel, AJC.com, 11 June 2026
Oba Femi Inalpi Arena sang along to the melodies of Brock Lesnar’s iconic theme song.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
This is where Coleman works out the melodies and hooks for songs, which his friend since fifth grade, Michael Finster—who kids know as Bearhead—then produces to make the finished pieces.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 29 May 2026
The women’s voices rose, gentle and emotive in unison, before splitting into two concordant melodies.
—Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 June 2026
In some ways, Foreign Tongues is an improvement on Hackney Diamonds, in that the latter occasionally sounded a little too much like a Jagger solo record in its emphasis on vocal melodies; this one feels more guitar-centric and holistically Stones-y.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Fans and critics met her pivot with begrudging respect, thanks to the strength of the album’s melodies.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 15 June 2026
For Corinne Bailey Rae, lyrics and melodies can reveal new possibilities.
—Christopher A. Daniel, AJC.com, 11 June 2026
Oba Femi Inalpi Arena sang along to the melodies of Brock Lesnar’s iconic theme song.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
This is where Coleman works out the melodies and hooks for songs, which his friend since fifth grade, Michael Finster—who kids know as Bearhead—then produces to make the finished pieces.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 29 May 2026
The women’s voices rose, gentle and emotive in unison, before splitting into two concordant melodies.
—Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodies
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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According to the music magazine, only half a dozen tunes have entered the Radio Songs chart within its uppermost region.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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The 56-year-old politician presents himself as an amiable northern everyman who prefers T-shirts to a suit and tie and spends spare time playing soccer or spinning 1990s tunes during DJ battles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Melodies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodies. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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