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
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
These Yiddish phrases have gotten me through many challenging situations.
—Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
These Yiddish phrases have gotten me through many challenging situations.
—Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
Buildings—a contemporary, fluid interpretation of the Cretan idiom by Pieris.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Like the idiom, their coffee shop hopes to bring surprising offerings to the coffee scene.—
Jenna Thompson
April 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As Mars pushes against Jupiter, the urge to say yes too quickly grows.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
Given the risks and the uncertainty around all aspects of the war, Kashkari said the Fed may even have to raise rates.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
The Moon’s move into Sagittarius lights up your 5th House of Creativity, pulling you toward expression, connection, and enjoyment that feels natural.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Separation is particularly risky from a controlling partner, or perhaps more aptly worded, from someone who is losing control.—
Kathryn Spearman,
The Conversation,
20 Apr. 2026
-
When Perkins was arrested in 2012, the law laying out the process was worded differently.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An Urban Pathways spokeswoman expressed condolences to the victims and their families in a statement.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Haring’s totems clearly express this idea.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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