phrase 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrāz How to pronounce phrase (audio)
Definition of phrasenext
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

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phrase

2 of 2

verb

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of phrase
Noun
The documentarian appeared hesitant to speculate on why Holmes repeated that phrase to him during their latest phone call. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2026 Brown had given the phrase a more specific meaning after the draft, when Brooklyn introduced him alongside Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
Noah Kahan’s rapid phrasing moves over acoustic guitar with a pace that feels almost conversational, gradually building emotional weight. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026 These are shopping questions even when they are not phrased as searches for a particular product. — Max Sinclair, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
  1. idiom
  2. say
  3. expression
  4. word
  5. express
Noun
  • To borrow from a more crude idiom, the Knicks need to shoot or get off the free throw line.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Its palette is broad, moving from comic to straight rap, from Cab Calloway swing to Beyoncé-style ballads, each idiom chosen for its dramatic purpose.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of idiom
Verb
  • Portavadie, Argyll Situated on the banks of Loch Fyne on Scotland’s west coast, Portavadie is home to what is thought to be the biggest heated outdoor infinity pool in the country, said Rachel Dixon in The Guardian.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Sébastien Guérémy, Thales‘ vice president of Underwater Systems, said the exercise demonstrated how different autonomous platforms and specialized equipment could operate within one framework.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of say
Noun
  • The inaugural inductees are said to represent more than a century of Australian storytelling, creativity and cultural expression and are selected by an expert panel.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The BellaBot Pro, a cat-like delivery robot, with an interactive screen that displays playful facial expressions, was also among the highlights.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of expression
Verb
  • Wang said the latest models, however, are less likely to be affected by how a prompt is worded and that companies have strengthened the model’s robustness to not be affected by how a prompt is worded.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Still, several categories in New York's law are broadly worded or undefined, Gluck said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • Many commenters describe his rallies as cult-like and farcical, with some expressing relief at the prospect of his political influence waning.
    — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Corlette expressed concern that prices will rise even more in the coming years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of express

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Cite this Entry

“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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