as in hardcovers
a published work that has a thick paper cover
The store sells both paperbacks and hardcovers.
Related Words
Relevance
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 paperbacks
It was also named by Barnes & Noble as one of the best paperbacks of August 2025.
—
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
The genre’s overreliance on pulpy paperbacks is turning into a problem.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Then, one day, an army duffel bag of paperbacks arrived from my mother.
—Janet Rich Edwards, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Readers can also find paperbacks on sale for up to 25% off.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025
Children’s books and mass-market paperbacks will be 25 cents or five for $1; adult hardcover, trade paperbacks, comics and DVDs, 50 cents; and CDs and LPs, 25 cents.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Amazon has become the leading self-publishing platform with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), software that allows an user to upload their manuscript and create purchasable e-books and paperbacks.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
When Catalina goes into the kitchen to refill her calabash, Frances grabs the box of Thompson paperbacks and makes a run for Ray at the restaurant.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
There are bookshelves teeming with dog-eared paperbacks, imposing hardbacks, critical anthologies, story collections, art books; my writer is also a reader, and a voracious one at that.
—Katie Da Cunha Lewin
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
The genre’s overreliance on pulpy paperbacks is turning into a problem.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Then, one day, an army duffel bag of paperbacks arrived from my mother.
—Janet Rich Edwards, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Readers can also find paperbacks on sale for up to 25% off.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025
Children’s books and mass-market paperbacks will be 25 cents or five for $1; adult hardcover, trade paperbacks, comics and DVDs, 50 cents; and CDs and LPs, 25 cents.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Amazon has become the leading self-publishing platform with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), software that allows an user to upload their manuscript and create purchasable e-books and paperbacks.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
When Catalina goes into the kitchen to refill her calabash, Frances grabs the box of Thompson paperbacks and makes a run for Ray at the restaurant.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
There are bookshelves teeming with dog-eared paperbacks, imposing hardbacks, critical anthologies, story collections, art books; my writer is also a reader, and a voracious one at that.
—Katie Da Cunha Lewin
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paperbacks
books
Noun
-
As part of the program, the Assistance League provides shoes, clothing and books to children in Vista, Oceanside and Carlsbad via an ALNC Advocate dedicated to each school.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
-
This on-sale pick has a spacious lower shelf for books, remotes, and other essentials, and its wood-grain finish adds a rustic charm.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paperbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paperbacks. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
