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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of phrase
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
But for reasons that remain unclear, that phrase was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.
—Bassem Mroue, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Second, our basic law includes some rights--like the right to bear arms--phrased more strongly than the federal constitution.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
The phrase is typically used in hip hop to question credibility.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
But for reasons that remain unclear, that phrase was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.
—Bassem Mroue, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
The interest between Sacramento State and those within the Mid-American Conference in becoming college football partners was mutual, as Hornets president Luke Wood and athletic director Mark Orr phrased it Monday and from a statement from the MAC commissioner affirmed.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Second, our basic law includes some rights--like the right to bear arms--phrased more strongly than the federal constitution.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Horwitz says the funds could increase teacher pay by as much as 5%, but they will also be used to provide more specialists and smaller class sizes.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Bartek, who rents three-quarters of his land, said landowners are increasing rents, causing further financial strain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At least that was my expression.—
David Sedaris,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Elder most recently served as vice president of brand strategy and creative expression at Purpose Brands, whose portfolio includes Anytime Fitness, Waxing the City, The Bar Method, Stronger U and Basecamp Fitness.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Piker remains largely unapologetic for his past remarks, although he's said some were poorly worded.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
State election code requires ballot measures be neutrally worded.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Beltran said expressing those emotions can bring people together.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The stateside Prime Video boss also expressed his conviction that the Super Bowl will eventually secure an exclusive berth on his company’s streaming platform, which suggests that Marine has read his John Maynard Keynes.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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