Definition of phrasingnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words research has shown that the phrasing of the question on certain hot-button issues greatly influences the response

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2
as in diction
the way in which something is put into words a particularly delicate and careful phrasing of the statement regarding the nature of the couple's relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

phrasing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of phrase

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 phrasing
Noun
Swain’s instinct for simple but resonant phrasing is a big part of his appeal. Jason Dove Mark, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026 Kalshi adjusted its classification phrasing in a new series of applications for wordmarks such as Kalshi American Power Index and KPOW—the first requests it’s made since Sportico reported on the previous filings. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 June 2026
Verb
The nonprofit group, whose name mirrors phrasing that has been used in Bennet’s campaign messaging, does not disclose its donors. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 After all, Snow Falling on Cedars is constituted of dense and mellifluous prose, whereas Evelyn in Transit—to borrow phrasing from its publisher’s marketing language—is a crystalline novel written in a spare, precise style. Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
  • His voice has weathered over the years, but that only added character to songs built on grit and honesty.
    Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • But the voice bellowing through the headset of quarterback Patrick Mahomes provides him an every-single-play reminder of Bieniemy’s absence.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • This was a lexicon both earthy and expansive, a diction vulgar and elevated, granular and capricious.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • This isn’t to suggest that Young needs to pick up where Hunt has left off, in terms of salty diction.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • That contradicts what many publishers have been saying, though most publishers are of course wary of sharing too many proprietary numbers publicly.
    Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After county planning officials issued a report stating construction wouldn’t impact the environment, Fish and Game countered, saying the report wasn’t thorough, and a qualified biologist will have to survey the site.
    Bay City News, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The intramuscular formulation of penicillin was the only treatment that could prevent pregnant patients from passing syphilis to their newborns.
    Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026
  • Cofounded by Juliette Lailler and Marie Belile, Krème touts clean, creamy formulations and focuses on nourishing the skin’s microbiome, which shields against germs, pathogens and inflammation.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • New and upcoming titles under the deal will carry English subtitles and dubbing in the Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026
  • Translators still have steady work years after computer translation approached human parity, because there is no ceiling on what can be translated or into how many languages.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Coursera founder Daphne Koller shared her early fascination with programming and mathematical models, expressing hope that AI can be deployed ethically to create a better, more egalitarian world.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There was a diversity of perspectives at the table, with some expressing deep concern about AI while others saw it as a tool.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The majority of clients of both the stage school and MJM do not have this wording in their contracts and, as part of our ongoing work with business consultants, the wording has been removed from all contracts.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • The wording may also state whether a candidate authorized it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Yes, this is an especially colorful way of articulating more or less what all early-stage VCs are looking for—entrepreneurs who can barrel through, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • In that sense, La Villeggiatura wasn’t introducing a trend so much as articulating an overlooked category.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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