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
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
Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
The phrase referenced a U.S.-backed coup in 1953, when the Iranian prime minister at the time was overthrown and succeeded by the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as Iran’s leader.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2026
Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
This suggests that the models’ internal beliefs are skewed based on how questions are phrased, or by their topics.
—Chara Podimata, Time, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Whatever the truth of that claim, the phrase is inappropriately taken from a poem that is about a horror that cannot be compared to taxation.
—Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
The phrase referenced a U.S.-backed coup in 1953, when the Iranian prime minister at the time was overthrown and succeeded by the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as Iran’s leader.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
This suggests that the models’ internal beliefs are skewed based on how questions are phrased, or by their topics.
—Chara Podimata, Time, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
Created in 1947, the Doomsday Clock was created to convey threats to humanity and the Earth using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero).—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
-
There’s this Douglas Adams joke that in no language is there the idiom as pretty as an airport.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Adam Mendelsohn, a communications adviser and former deputy chief of staff to Schwarzenegger as governor, said there’s an appetite in California for greater accountability under what is essentially single-party rule.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Egyptian authorities said roughly 150 hospitals across the country are prepared to receive patients evacuated from Gaza, while the Egyptian Red Crescent has set up support areas on the Egyptian side of the crossing.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The actors’ expressions aren’t wholly legible through the glass and the falling dusk, but the air around them is thick with curdling resentment and sudden grief.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Beyond shedding light on the exploitative nature of the AI industry, Gourault highlights the workers’ attempts to claim agency, however precarious, through tactics of organization and expression.—
Farren Fei Yuan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Someone always asks her how to word the text.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Bialystok, a cognitive neuroscientist, recommends studying a new language at any age, comparing the challenge to word puzzles and brain-training games that are promoted to slow the onset of dementia.—
Stephen Wade,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Kennedy expressed openness to building on modest reforms that already passed the House, chiefly more money for body cameras and de-escalation training.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Lemon was charged with conspiring to violate someone’s constitutional rights and violating the FACE Act, which prohibits the use of force or threats to intentionally interfere with someone expressing their First Amendment right to religion.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
