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
Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
All of that, for me, is cooked into that phrase and that title.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Tracking data over time can be challenging due to the changing nature of how questions are phrased by pollsters.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Learn basic Portuguese phrases.
—Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
All of that, for me, is cooked into that phrase and that title.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
In essence, the Iowa and West Virginia sports cases ask the court to rule whether a transgender girl – a person assigned male at birth who has transitioned to align with their identity as a girl or woman, as the AP Stylebook phrases it – is a girl or a boy.
—Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Tracking data over time can be challenging due to the changing nature of how questions are phrased by pollsters.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
Though the idiom of abuse has changed, the critics are as hostile as ever, while their targets react only with curious torpor.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Music unites the interconnecting stories in this saga and expands its passions, with a sumptuous score by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens that taps into a wide range of American styles, idioms and amalgams, even as the second act turns more dissonant.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Following the Qianlong Garden, museum officials said Yangxindian (Hall of Mental Cultivation), the residence and administrative office for Qing emperors, is also expected to reopen this year after completing restoration work that started in 2018.—
Fred He,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Darbin Wofford, deputy director of health care for the centrist Democratic group Third Way, said even if there’s an agreement that reopens the government without a subsidy extension, Republicans already own the consequences.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Other Considerations for Your Proposal Have some more questions around how to word your engagement?—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The 2010 exemption specifically targeted Jackson County and was worded to apply only to charter counties with populations between 600,000 and 700,000 people, a population level Jackson County has now surpassed.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Regardless of whether or not there’s truth to Trump’s remarks about Nigeria, some of Minaj’s fans have expressed disappointment in the hip-hop star for aligning herself with the polarizing politician in any capacity.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Looking toward the midterms Heading into 2026, many Americans continue to express deep dissatisfaction with their party’s establishment.—
Jeff Harden,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share