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
Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Rising to fame in the 1940s as a crooner with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, Sinatra quickly became a solo sensation, his smooth baritone and intimate phrasing redefining popular music for a generation of listeners.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 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
The results suggest that AI most often enters the composing process during idea generation, revision and moments of writer’s block, while students maintain control over argument choice, voice and final phrasing.
—Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Rising to fame in the 1940s as a crooner with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, Sinatra quickly became a solo sensation, his smooth baritone and intimate phrasing redefining popular music for a generation of listeners.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 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
-
Hameed provides the voice and remote puppetry, while Shah inhabits the bear costume onstage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Gary Gerould has endeared himself to generations of fans as one of the most beloved figures in franchise history over 41 seasons as the radio voice of the Sacramento Kings.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Feldmann, a relatively recent Juilliard graduate, showed his Lieder-singing chops in the Viennese fare, his tone robust, his diction crisp.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
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
Verb
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Using a Negroni and up to two glasses of Malbec, get through pre-appetizer chitchat, group ordering, salad, entrées, dessert, all the way to the Uber ride home, without oversharing or otherwise saying anything that will result in an emotional hangover the next morning.—
Charles Yu,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Minutes later, dispatchers received another call saying that the suspect was a relative of the caller and that about nine people lived inside the home.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In some cases, the issue probably was the formulation.—
Kara McGrath,
Allure,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Rawls provided the most influential modern formulation of what reasonableness demands under conditions of pluralism—the condition under which the people in most of the world’s democracies live.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Layoffs slashed offices that dealt with English-language acquisition and those that worked with poor, minority, and rural districts.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Beltran said expressing those emotions can bring people together.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This includes Tallent, who looked in the mirror and smiled with tears in her eyes, expressing her gratitude.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Graham disagreed and asked Driggs to consider his wording.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Quatraro said his wording was the main sticking point.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
But when the lens shifts toward the interior, articulating the woman’s private monologues, the attitude is softer and more generous, even when her words seem steeped in a sense of ongoing dread.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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