monosyllable

Definition of monosyllablenext
as in expression
a lexical item that has only one syllable He answered all their questions with monosyllables like "yes" and "no."

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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 monosyllable Hearing this jab of monosyllables is like being poked in the eye. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2023 But where the two Stegosaurus brothers speak in Jurassic monosyllables, Stegothesaurus has the gift of a bountiful vocabulary. Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 22 June 2018 Original writer Derek Kolstad and director Chad Stahelski have returned for the sequel, alongside the taciturn Reeves, who brews up more of his Wickian magic while speaking infrequently and mostly in monosyllables. Katie Walsh, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monosyllable
Noun
  • Additionally, the minutes featured a notable new expression regarding the impact of artificial intelligence.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Almost exactly one month later, the phrase appeared as a central QAnon concept.
    Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The phrase first surfaced in early 2024 and has grown in popularity since, according to Know Your Meme.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Presidents across party lines celebrated Dolly Parton on Tuesday following her death, speaking to the country icon’s ability to transcend politics through her work that often spoke louder than words.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The advance word on his performance here has been very strong.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Important, too, was the morpheme a-, which referred to the mouth and, more broadly, to origins.
    Anvita Abbi, Scientific American, 16 May 2023
  • Those words are made up of morphemes, small elements that change their meaning depending on how they are combined.
    Ian Austen, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Apr. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Monosyllable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monosyllable. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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