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
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
23 June 2026
The phrase was popularized by American psychologist Barry Schwartz in his 2004 book The Paradox of Choice Why More Is Less.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Because Survivor 42 followed the same format with all the exact same twists from Survivor 41—Prisoner's Dilemma, goofy phrases, Hourglass twist, Shot in the Dark, Do or Die—along with many of the same challenges, the entire season often felt like a rerun.
—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Don't use tacky signage and phrase mats; opt for simple, classic designs.
—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
23 June 2026
The phrase was popularized by American psychologist Barry Schwartz in his 2004 book The Paradox of Choice Why More Is Less.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
Verb
Talarico addresses past remarks Talarico acknowledged those comments, calling them poorly phrased.
—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Because Survivor 42 followed the same format with all the exact same twists from Survivor 41—Prisoner's Dilemma, goofy phrases, Hourglass twist, Shot in the Dark, Do or Die—along with many of the same challenges, the entire season often felt like a rerun.
—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
The best tended to use puns, literalization — turning an idiom into reality — and pedantic humor to delight and torment children in equal measures.
-
That French idiom about having long teeth — les dents longues — can have negative connotations about a person’s ambitious streak.
Verb
-
Riccobono said that the training needs to start with something as basic as the right way to approach a blind passenger.
-
Rejoining would also generate yet more uncertainty for companies which are only just adapting to the new trading relationship, said Sean McGuire, a director at the Confederation of British Industry, a business lobby group.
Noun
-
Now in its 38th edition, the annual issue is a record of the highest expressions of craft, ingenuity, creativity, pleasure, and wonder across 15 categories and from around the globe.
-
Cancer season brings focus to your creative expression, dating life, hobbies and self-expression.
Verb
-
But the way that it's worded in this framework agreement suggested that the United States would be investing in the fund.
-
In announcing the potential out-of-state move, the NFL franchise carefully worded its language to allow for a different outcome.
Verb
-
Creative energy simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to be expressed.
-
South Florida Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is expressing skepticism over the Cuban government's announcement of sweeping economic reforms that would open key sectors of the island's economy to private and foreign investment.
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
