phrasing 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrā-ziŋ How to pronounce phrasing (audio)
Definition of phrasingnext
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

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phrasing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of phrase
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
Noun
Despite the ribald phrasing, this kind of question is not entirely uncommon at Memphis’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 The phrasing came straight from Parliament’s own Declaratory Act of 1766, passed on the same day the Stamp Act was repealed. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
But that should be phrasing that should never be used. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 3 May 2026 The nonprofit group, whose name mirrors phrasing that has been used in Bennet’s campaign messaging, does not disclose its donors. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
  1. voice
  2. diction
  3. saying
  4. formulation
  5. language
  6. expressing
  7. wording
  8. articulating
Noun
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Regrettably, even after all this time living here, my bride never fails to seize the opportunity to suggest my diction is something less than poifect.
    — Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This was a lexicon both earthy and expansive, a diction vulgar and elevated, granular and capricious.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of diction
Verb
  • On Monday, those five writers — also DSA-LA members — panned the idea of an endorsement, saying Raman hasn’t earned it.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The display was set up by police, with authorities saying some of the bodies recovered from the floods were in an advanced state of decomposition, making physical identification difficult.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • At the center is a softer formulation of the supercritical foam, surrounded by a more firm perimeter to create a plate-like effect along with support and durability.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That mix of results and sensitivity-friendly formulation is a signature of the K beauty category as a whole.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • The petition argues Mays’ language during the trial revealed something deeper than a poor defense strategy — a worldview that dehumanized the man he was supposed to defend.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The English-language voice cast features Lenny Henry, while five-time Grammy Award-winners Michael League and Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy contribute to the original score.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of language
Verb
  • Even those who did not know Parton personally felt the loss, with Sarah Jessica Parker expressing her admiration for the multi-hyphenate.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The State Department issued a statement on Wednesday expressing condolences to the victims of the flooding and pledged financial support.
    — Matteo Moschella, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of expressing
Noun
  • Analysts suggest this may reflect that as the Fed gradually downplays forward guidance, market sensitivity to Fed wording—as well as the Fed's overall influence over markets—could be waning.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This includes interpreting standing rules and precedents, advising on the wording of motions, helping formulate statements, and answering parliamentary inquiries or points of order.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of wording
Verb
  • In contrast, charismatic signaling typically involves articulating a vision that connects present circumstances with a desirable collective future.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Park excels at articulating the importance and immediacy of youth, when bonds carry an extra intensity that makes breaking them feel bigger than life.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of articulating

Browse Nearby Words

phrases
phrasing
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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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