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
Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Without your seed phrases, that money is gone.
—Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Todd James Pierce, Air Mail, 1 Nov. 2025
That’s an interesting way to phrase it, as if the construction and coaching of the team has nothing to do with each week’s outcome.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
That phrase may refer to specific payment conditions, such as sending money to a particular country or using a precise method.
—Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Without your seed phrases, that money is gone.
—Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
Disney and the Shermans understood that the selection of the right actress was crucial, as that would determine, to some extent, how songs and dialogue would be phrased and presented.
—Todd James Pierce, Air Mail, 1 Nov. 2025
That’s an interesting way to phrase it, as if the construction and coaching of the team has nothing to do with each week’s outcome.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
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
-
As a substitute, the board selected local architect William Pereira, who, never fully at ease with a modernist idiom, hewed to the middlebrow tastes and conservative politics of California’s philanthropic parvenus.—
Michaëla de Lacaze Mohrmann,
Artforum,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Due to cold temperatures, emergency medical services were contacted to evaluate her, authorities said.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The clip, which has amassed over 14 million views and nearly 3 million likes, shows the little girl, who was only 4 days old at the time, with a grumpy expression on her face as her brother leans in for the smooch.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
When Noma does a pop-up, the kitchen team immerses itself in the local flora, fauna, and culinary cultures to create a tasting menu that speaks not just to the restaurant’s style but is also an expression of the place the restaurant is taking up residency in.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Although its questions framed the scandal with wording sympathetic to Republicans, the survey suggests the GOP sees an opening that could drag down Democrats.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The footer contains off wording about inbox preferences and a Scottsdale address not tied to Netflix.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Charles seemed upset by the message and expressed determination to not let his age get in the way of his career.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
During the sentencing hearing, Sammartino expressed concerns about the lack of answers and accountability related to Francis’ absconding from house arrest in 2022.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share