as in idioms
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 words
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
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Recent Examples of phrases
Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
The quirky phrases are super fun, and the knit design is adorable.
—Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
The show, much like its predecessor Dora the Explorer, incorporates Spanish phrases and dialogue into the story.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025
Here are three phrases Mason recommends all professionals avoid in the workplace, along with stronger alternatives.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
People make close, intense bonds when stuck in the Big Brother house together, and Vince and Morgan’s dynamic crosses more lines with each passing day, emotional cheating threatening to tip into physical even as Vince continues to hopelessly cloak his feelings in flimsy analogies and code phrases.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025
Even the generative AIs that pretend to make new things today are merely regurgitating words, phrases, and pictures that were created and shared by people.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
Unlike older translation tools that convert sentences word-for-word (often leading to clunky or confusing results), Live Translation takes a more natural approach by translating phrases.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
Ronan filled some of the space with repetitive phrases, like Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
The email obtained by NPR instructs employees working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to avoid using about a dozen words and phrases, many of which are central to their work.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
The quirky phrases are super fun, and the knit design is adorable.
—Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
The show, much like its predecessor Dora the Explorer, incorporates Spanish phrases and dialogue into the story.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025
Here are three phrases Mason recommends all professionals avoid in the workplace, along with stronger alternatives.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
People make close, intense bonds when stuck in the Big Brother house together, and Vince and Morgan’s dynamic crosses more lines with each passing day, emotional cheating threatening to tip into physical even as Vince continues to hopelessly cloak his feelings in flimsy analogies and code phrases.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025
Even the generative AIs that pretend to make new things today are merely regurgitating words, phrases, and pictures that were created and shared by people.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
Unlike older translation tools that convert sentences word-for-word (often leading to clunky or confusing results), Live Translation takes a more natural approach by translating phrases.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
Ronan filled some of the space with repetitive phrases, like Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Extract phrases from calls, build frameworks from notes, convert DMs to posts.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrases
Noun
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Meanwhile, analytical software has revolutionized linguistic inquiry, enabling greater understanding of the ways language works—when, how, and why words break out; the specific contexts for expressions and idioms.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
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These systems can interpret regional slang, idioms and context-specific expressions, hence minimizing both over-censorship and under-enforcement.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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History says that negotiating process ahead isn't likely to be easy.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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However, this year, the full moon will be in early October, EarthSky says.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lessing expresses no regret or agony at her childhood actions, or at what happens next.—
Rebecca van Laer
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
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Jay expresses his discontentment.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrases. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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