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melody

noun

ˈme-lə-dē How to pronounce melody (audio)
Definition of melodynext
as in song
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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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 melody The melody came deceptively easy, but everything else would prove difficult. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 James’ melodies seem to materialize and unspool, an unforced reclamation of the mystery that once permeated his writing. — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026 The joy of his songs, the counterargument to their pain, lies within the melodies. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • Fans are now allowed to move freely, but not standing for the song can draw scrutiny, such as when Bad Bunny remained seated in the stands as the song played at Game 3 of the 2025 American League Division Series.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This is the song’s first award nomination and her first fully country track since the original Red era.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • Pivots into a black-and-white Brazilian telenovela, which Camilo tunes into nightly while on baby duty, feed into the film’s nesting-doll narrative on paper, but in practice make for annoyingly gratuitous flourishes.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As the night continued, guests danced well into the evening to DJ Mia Moretti‘s tunes from fan favorites Madonna and Abba.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of tune

Browse Nearby Words

melodramatizing
melody
melon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Melody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melody. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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