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
David Ingram, NBC news, 6 May 2026
In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said tougher action is needed against people chanting certain phrases at pro-Palestinian protests, as concerns grew over the safety of British Jews after the stabbings of two Jewish men in London.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Zilis peppered her speech with unusual phrases and occasional sarcasm.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 6 May 2026
In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said tougher action is needed against people chanting certain phrases at pro-Palestinian protests, as concerns grew over the safety of British Jews after the stabbings of two Jewish men in London.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Verb
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
The Western musical tradition is mostly sidelined in favor of kuduro, gqom, batida, and sounds too free of familiar musical idioms to be easily categorized.—
Will Lynch,
Pitchfork,
11 May 2026
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While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The New York Knicks took care of business, to say the least, against the Philadelphia 76ers with another utter demolition on the road in a close-out game.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Her foundation said she has been granted a prison sentence suspension on bail.—
Sarah el Deeb,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Jonathan Karis, an alumnus of Gramercy Tavern, takes the season’s bounty and coaxes it into its fullest expression — home cooking at its most virtuosic.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
The Pisces Moon supports thoughtful expression and easier communication.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
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
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The tool analyzed every transcript, pulled out every distinct claim each speaker made, and turned each one into a numerical fingerprint that captures meaning rather than wording.—
Gina Chua,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Trump has gone back and forth over whether the war will end, at times expressing optimism and at other times saying Russia and Ukraine should be left to fight it out to the bitter end.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Her students have more trouble controlling their bodies and expressing their feelings.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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