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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Robert Capps Malcolm Hillgartner Krish Seenivasan Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Well, Neruda and a full inventory of why he’s not suited for her that concludes with the moon-star-sun phrasing so close to her heart.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 July 2025
No classical performer is more mainstream than Yo-Yo Ma, but his successive recordings of the Bach cello suites have been strongly influenced by period-instrument practice in such matters as phrasing and the use of gut strings.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
The phrasing on the sign is similar to that used in a series of billboards placed outside many U.S. national parks earlier this summer by a labor advocacy group, More Perfect Union.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Noun
You’re being paid to be responsible for them: the facts, the concepts, the fairness, the phrasing.
—Robert Capps Malcolm Hillgartner Krish Seenivasan Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Well, Neruda and a full inventory of why he’s not suited for her that concludes with the moon-star-sun phrasing so close to her heart.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 July 2025
No classical performer is more mainstream than Yo-Yo Ma, but his successive recordings of the Bach cello suites have been strongly influenced by period-instrument practice in such matters as phrasing and the use of gut strings.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
The phrasing on the sign is similar to that used in a series of billboards placed outside many U.S. national parks earlier this summer by a labor advocacy group, More Perfect Union.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
-
And, sadly, his voice is as necessary as ever: The recent murders of George Floyd and other Black men and women at the hands of the police prove that Do the Right Thing’s racial injustice is still very much with us.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice assistants like Siri and Google Voice Assistant allow drivers to perform smartphone functions hands-free.—
Charles Singh,
The Tennessean,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But even atop those peaks, the orchestra and chorus remained well-balanced, and the chorus’s diction impeccable.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The syntax, the diction, the tonal shifts—these are tools for creating aesthetic force.—
Matthew Clark Davison,
Literary Hub,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Good Start is now marketed as Good Start Dr. Brown’s, with three infant formulations: one for gas, fussiness and spit-up; a second for easy digestion and softer poops; and a third that is milk- and lactose-free.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
-
While the two share some hormonal overlap, their formulations, doses and risks are designed for very different purposes.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The word llama comes from Spanish, which borrowed it directly from Quechua, the Indigenous language of the Andes.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
This language is favorable to the state but unions are hoping to find more leeway in future bargaining sessions over the topic.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Despite the stark wording, there were no mandatory evacuation orders in effect Wednesday morning, a Juneau city spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
-
That’s the period that the $1.1 billion already had been approved for — before it was taken away by Congress, or rescinded, the official-speak wording that sounds gentler than what occurred, as so much bureaucratic language does.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Great leaders inspire confidence by articulating a compelling future, rallying their teams, and turning crisis into momentum.—
Cicely Simpson,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Identifying your strengths is the foundation for articulating your value proposition.—
Donna Grego-Heintz,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
His wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen), wears an expression of perpetual disappointment.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Open Doors, the Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro-organized co-production platform and talent development program for filmmakers from regions where artistic expression is at risk, has wrapped up its 23rd edition with a focus on the African continent.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share