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
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
Those phrases are consistent with his actions.
—Janay Reece, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Second, our basic law includes some rights--like the right to bear arms--phrased more strongly than the federal constitution.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
But the phrase can and should be applied to the current Iran war, at least insofar as the United States is concerned.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
Those phrases are consistent with his actions.
—Janay Reece, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
The interest between Sacramento State and those within the Mid-American Conference in becoming college football partners was mutual, as Hornets president Luke Wood and athletic director Mark Orr phrased it Monday and from a statement from the MAC commissioner affirmed.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Second, our basic law includes some rights--like the right to bear arms--phrased more strongly than the federal constitution.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
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If the assignment is to translate something from a foreign language, there are plenty of tools and resources that can do it for you, including by recognizing and figuratively translating idioms.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The other says that the sky is black, then blue, and always empty.—
Sandra Lim,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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In a social media post on Monday morning, Kuwait said a service building at a power generation and water desalination plant were damaged in an attack Sunday evening, killing one worker.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The trip raised hopes among some members on the WhatsApp chain that expressions of empathy toward Palestinians will become more common at Beth El, both from the bimah and in synagogue-wide communications.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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The United States not only encourages artistic expression, it’s enshrined in the Constitution, under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and assembly.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the Heat hadn’t worded the trade that way, then Miami would be at greater risk of the first-round pick conveyed to Charlotte being unprotected.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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The resolution is strongly worded but also filled with caveats — noting that the district will comply with contracting and procurement laws.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The president also expressed frustration about some of the coverage of the sensitive military operation, NBC reported.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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