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
Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025
The Bachelor host and girl dad, 46, is teaming up with Kellogg's for the company's latest spin on a phrase that could've always used a little more cereal.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 June 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Other audience members carefully phrased their questions with a balance of flattery and inquiry, asking what makes Hermès stronger than other fashion companies.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Many interpretations of the phrase have been offered over the years.
—Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025
The Bachelor host and girl dad, 46, is teaming up with Kellogg's for the company's latest spin on a phrase that could've always used a little more cereal.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
Include how to phrase these questions tactfully and what responses might indicate a poor fit.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Other audience members carefully phrased their questions with a balance of flattery and inquiry, asking what makes Hermès stronger than other fashion companies.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Unleashing Wood has ushered in an exciting new phase for a widely influential band that has defined a state-of-the-art jazz idiom deeply engaged with other genres.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
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Scientists analyzed recordings of three groups of chimpanzees living in the Ivory Coast and found that chimps can combine their hoots, grunts and calls in a similar way to how humans use idioms or change the order of words to build new phrases.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
11 May 2025
Verb
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In addition to frequent password updates, individuals will need to be more alert about the increasing amount of malware hiding in illegitimate software, applications and other downloadable files, Valenzuela said.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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An unknown gunman shot the boy while inside an apartment on the 6400 block of South Ingleside Avenue just after 6 p.m., police said.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Verb
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The Dodgers announced the steps in a five-paragraph news release that was delicately worded to avoid potentially inflammatory political terms, and which stopped short of an explicit condemnation of the federal policy.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
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However, the fireworks were there — just more carefully and tactfully worded.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Ambassadors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Saturday met with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to express concerns about the consequences of a U.S. attack.—
Colin Meyn,
The Hill,
22 June 2025
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On a broader scale, legislators have expressed frustration for years about high prices — whether for a new college graduate seeking an affordable apartment or for a young family trying to afford a pricier suburb with good schools like West Hartford or Glastonbury.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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