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
Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
Thanks to a viral TikTok video, the phrase has newfound attention.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Past statements or e-mails can be taken out of context, with dangerous results, so carefully phrase your statements in board meetings or in e-mails — and avoid intemperate or sarcastic remarks.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Why is that a phrase you’re drawn to?
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
Thanks to a viral TikTok video, the phrase has newfound attention.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
The nonprofit group, whose name mirrors phrasing that has been used in Bennet’s campaign messaging, does not disclose its donors.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Past statements or e-mails can be taken out of context, with dangerous results, so carefully phrase your statements in board meetings or in e-mails — and avoid intemperate or sarcastic remarks.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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This further underscored the symbiotic relationship between Humphreys and smooth jazz, an idiom not held in high regard by the person booking the concerts.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Those books introduced me to a vision of American teenage life and taught me the rhythms and idioms of American English, nuances that would later replace my Britishisms and shape my career as a journalist.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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China’s biggest chain of eye hospitals is working with an adviser on the share sale, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.—
Julia Fioretti,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Jeffrey Singer, a doctor and senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, said decentralization can be beneficial.—
Angela Hart,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tory’s expression flickers, then settles.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Instead, for the biggest impact, leave out the negatives and offer sincere expressions of pride for the accomplishment at hand.—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tone matters more than wording.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Lynch sounded far more optimistic about the situation than how Schefter worded his reporting.—
Chris Biderman
March 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Environmental advocates expressed alarm about orders to restart offshore drilling at the site of a devastating 2015 oil spill in Santa Barbara.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Often described during his time in Congress as one of the upper chamber’s most independent minds, Manchin expressed sweeping concern that Cornyn recently flip-flopped on the long-standing Senate maneuver, which is designed to force a spirit of open debate and compromise.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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