phrasing 1 of 2

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

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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

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
That phrasing launched a barrage of criticism. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony. Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Verb
After all, Snow Falling on Cedars is constituted of dense and mellifluous prose, whereas Evelyn in Transit—to borrow phrasing from its publisher’s marketing language—is a crystalline novel written in a spare, precise style. Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward. Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
  • Issues have featured commentary from the likes of Republican Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, former Republican Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar and prominent conservative voices from across Latin America.
    Daniel Rivero, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
  • The Democratic Party often speaks about elevating new voices, empowering younger leaders, and protecting minority representation.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • This isn’t to suggest that Young needs to pick up where Hunt has left off, in terms of salty diction.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • But Auschwitz had also left its mark on his diction—a sort of verbal tattoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The Kuwaiti military issued a statement saying it was forced to intercept several hostile missile and drone attacks on Monday.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • The federal appeals court overruled their 2020 ban by saying the agency didn’t have the proper authority to make that decision.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • What Research Really Shows Some research has found an association between mouthwash use and higher blood pressure, particularly with frequent use and stronger antibacterial formulations.
    Laura Bradley, Health, 3 June 2026
  • Yet over 60% of natural flavor formulations consumed in Africa are still imported, primarily from Europe, India, and China.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • While Liden’s displacement and depersonalization of private property in Unheimlich Manöver could be perceived as the inversion of Darboven’s cocooning, the artists share a preoccupation with the silent speech of objects and with language as a spatial entity.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Her work has been translated into more than twenty languages and included in the New York Times list of Notable Children’s Books.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • California Democrat gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer posted a video with prominent transgender athlete AB Hernandez on social media on Friday, expressing support for the trans teen as Hernandez looks to win another set of state titles in girls' track and field.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
  • Organizers, residents speak out against proposal The delay did not stop organizers and residents from speaking against the proposal at the Port KC board meeting and expressing concerns about tax breaks, environmental impacts and other issues.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The government has multiple programs for tracking Americans’ insurance status, which can give different numbers depending on factors like timing and question wording.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Your careful wording keeps trust intact by turning emotion into clear choices.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Your leadership plays a crucial role in articulating a clear vision that respects the past while committing to a different future.
    Simon Corbett, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Moore did a good job on Maher’s show of articulating the problems with closed primaries.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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