as in idiom
a sequence of words having a specific meaning
kids drawing literal representations of the phrase "to rain cats and dogs"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms
he had trouble thinking of how to phrase his question for the visiting dignitary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phrase
Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026
The phrase, which was apparently started by Vegas assistant coach John Stevens, refers to the pain suffered by blocking a shot compared to the anguish felt when a puck sails by the defender and into the net.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 May 2026
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
It’s phrased in a way that sounds perfectly logical.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
The restaurant adds culinary heft to a neighborhood often geared toward sports (the name is an Italian translation of a legendary Seattle Mariners sportscaster’s signature phrase) and shares its windowed space with two other new Sea Creatures projects, a brewpub and a slice bar.
—Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026
The phrase, which was apparently started by Vegas assistant coach John Stevens, refers to the pain suffered by blocking a shot compared to the anguish felt when a puck sails by the defender and into the net.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 May 2026
Verb
And while there’s no way to phrase this without trafficking in understatement, the long-running arrangement is nothing if not mutually beneficial.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
It’s phrased in a way that sounds perfectly logical.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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The Suez Canal incident of March 2021 revealed the same pattern in a different idiom.—
Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Probably because at the time many of the time signatures and chordal progressions that Miles used were over the head of a young guitar player still functioning in the blues and folk idioms.—
Steve Baltin,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Roughly 35 horses bolted through city streets following the unexpected fireworks, the outlet said.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
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The Medical Investigator’s Office is likely to determine the cause and manner of death, police said.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
Noun
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This includes my place not only as a writer—who like my grandfather had, is writing books, teaching college, and engaged in psychoanalytic thought—but also as a someone who has similarly dedicated her life to the pursuit of learning, understanding, and expression through language.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
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Master Medal Laelia Añejo is a boutique expression produced at Casa Natima in Amatitán.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Portage resident Bruno Mendez complained Tuesday not about what a code violation cited him for but the way it was worded.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Beijing’s statement after the meeting with the Iranian Foreign Ministry was carefully worded to not blame Iran for the crisis while also calling for greater efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.—
Selina Wang,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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After 10 days trapped in a cave with four others, the first man brought to safety expressed heartfelt gratitude to his rescuers and his family.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Other countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the attacks and expressing support for Kuwait.—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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