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
Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Kirk posted the phrase on Twitter in February 2013.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Slang moves fast, and already there are terms from earlier this year that are phrasing out of popularity.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Kirk posted the phrase on Twitter in February 2013.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
But this is an inane question, inanely phrased, because your letters so admirably inform me of your version of tricks.
—John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Slang moves fast, and already there are terms from earlier this year that are phrasing out of popularity.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Nonnas There's a saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) of 2025's Nonnas is the perfect depiction of the idiom.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Because the construction is a natural and graceful part of our English idiom.—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Kaivan Shroff, a 2024 delegate for Harris, said the former vice president has the right to tell the story of her campaign, as does Biden, who has conducted a few interviews and speeches since leaving office.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Cox said there was no information leading authorities to believe there was a second person involved.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The logistics were daunting, but carefully calibrated— Angel explained that even wording introductions to attendees at the reception desk were discussed, to make clear that the cookout was centered on trans femmes and donations were encouraged.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Sep. 2025
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Conviction rates for lese majeste stand at around 80%, and prosecutors indict around 99% of the time — a huge percentage given the law is vaguely worded and what constitutes lese majeste is not even legally defined, TLHR said.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Regardless of where the fans stand, Williams likes to express himself in that way.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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Canadian Pacific Kansas City de Mexico, the railway, expressed its condolences to the victims' families and called on drivers to respect road signs and stop orders at railroad crossings.—
Lizbeth Diaz,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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