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
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Recent Examples of phrasing
Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026
Talking points should be hashed out months in advance, and minor phrasing on official readouts involves tough negotiation.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 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
His performance was a marvel, with exquisite phrasing and crystalline passagework.
—Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026
Talking points should be hashed out months in advance, and minor phrasing on official readouts involves tough negotiation.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 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
-
While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
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As the MorphoScan measures and calculates, a voice will pipe up offering guidance and progress reports.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 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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Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal is citing senior American negotiators and officials as saying chances of an agreement with Iran by tonight's deadline are slim.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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The case was originally set in Wise County but later moved to Tarrant County after defense attorneys argued for a change of venue, saying the defendant wouldn’t receive a fair trial in Wise County.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, global influence is reshaping the market, with brands from Korea, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and even Georgia introducing new formulations and philosophies.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Pair the test report with the fertilizer formulation of the weed-and-feed product.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Arghavan runs a small language school that teaches French to Iranians who want to live in the Canadian province of Quebec.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
That language isn’t in the new law.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sports, after all, can be a vehicle for shaping our values and expressing our desires.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That is also reflected in the latest analysis of the bill by senate staff, which includes possible new wording focusing only on the assessment and not on establishing a new policy to bring back grizzlies.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
According to the wording of the bill, a library board would need majority approval from a city council for these staffing decisions.—
Rose Evans
Updated March 30,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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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 11 Apr. 2026.
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