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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
as in saying
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 phrasing
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Rather than reworking the demo, the singer became fixated on faithfully reproducing its phrasing and emotional tone.
—Mike Wass, Variety, 20 May 2026
Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Noun
Both share red, white and green bands, but the pre-revolutionary flag also has a lion and the sun in the middle of its white band, while the official flag instead has an Islamic symbol and phrasing.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Rather than reworking the demo, the singer became fixated on faithfully reproducing its phrasing and emotional tone.
—Mike Wass, Variety, 20 May 2026
Verb
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
But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
-
Both sounds curl around the voice of a warm baritone.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
While many know him for his voice acting work, as Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid games, Hayter is also an extremely capable writer.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
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
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But Auschwitz had also left its mark on his diction—a sort of verbal tattoo.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Aiyuk appears to direct two common insults at the subject of the video — almost certainly the 49ers — by using the literal, nonprofane meanings of the terms rather than saying the vulgar words themselves.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
But the result drew criticism online, with viewers saying the technology distorted the former Spurs star's facial features.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The study had tested three different formulations of its new shot.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
These formulations are generally better for sensitive and acne-prone skin.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The titular bear, who communicates with the girl through language—seemingly telepathic—plays a crucial role in her survival.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
The term English learners is defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as students who do not meet certain English proficiency standards and whose home language background is a language other than English.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Workplaces absolutely require professionalism and emotional intelligence, but confidence becomes fragile when your energy is focused entirely on managing perception instead of expressing ideas honestly and engaging authentically.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
There was Governor Christopher Waller expressing worry that consumer and market psychology was in danger of shifting their inflation expectations higher — a key consideration when figuring out how the Fed should react.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
That wording felt stiff and a little off.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Aiyuk’s latest message was clear in its frustration but not always in its wording.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Your leadership plays a crucial role in articulating a clear vision that respects the past while committing to a different future.—
Simon Corbett,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Moore did a good job on Maher’s show of articulating the problems with closed primaries.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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