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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Relevance
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phrasing
James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
And there was writing and the composition and his phrasing and singing of them, even his piano playing, including his almost gospel-like playing in the early records.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026
Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Noun
To say America’s landscape was littered in the 1970s is not merely poetic phrasing.
—James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
And there was writing and the composition and his phrasing and singing of them, even his piano playing, including his almost gospel-like playing in the early records.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
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As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Similarly, millions of women whose married names don't match with the name on their birth certificates or passports would face extra steps just to make their voices heard, the Brennan Center cautions.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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For writers like me—less stylistically steady, less given to a consistency of diction and syntax—there’s still a through-line.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to fight Vedam’s release, saying in a statement Monday that the vacation of his conviction will not deter its efforts.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Maybe Whitney Halberstram is a construction, just like his detractors have been saying all along.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The cadence would be right, the vocabulary impeccable, the formulations reassuringly familiar.—
Walter Quattrociocchi,
Scientific American,
18 Feb. 2026
-
This question has a beautiful formulation called the unitary synthesis problem.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Brittany is joined by Emily Kwong, co-host of NPR’s science podcast Short Wave, to explore why putting your brain through learning a new language offers surprising benefits and opportunities for connection.—
Brittany Luse,
NPR,
16 Feb. 2026
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Neither Wicks, nor any other legislator, has released legislative language yet aimed at supporting the industry.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The senators had previously sent a letter to the SSA in April 2025 expressing concerns about retroactive spousal benefits under the new law.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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Parts of the exchange have gone viral among Angelenos, with many expressing confusion and surprise about the suggestion that Culver City is plagued by crime.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Companies can get around those rules by using other wording on their packaging.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Companies can get around those rules by using other wording on their packaging.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If Beijing is articulating its asks, Washington should articulate its own, from clemency for Jimmy Lai to substantive and measurable cooperation on Ukraine.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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At Davos, Dimon addressed geopolitical risk and America’s role in the world without attacking individuals, while still articulating a worldview grounded in alliances, stability, and democratic resilience.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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