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
Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
Some see the city’s phrasing as an extension of that fight.
—Haajrah Gilani, Houston Chronicle, 3 Apr. 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
Her use of a pick, precise articulation, and inventive phrasing helped establish a new approach to electric bass playing in popular music.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
Some see the city’s phrasing as an extension of that fight.
—Haajrah Gilani, Houston Chronicle, 3 Apr. 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
-
As the song ticks past the 20-minute mark, Goldie’s voice gets increasingly desperate and the music darkens.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
2 May 2026
-
Claussen said in a phone interview, her voice trailing off.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 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
-
The Lakers are saying very nice things about the defending champion Thunder ahead of their second-round matchup.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
But financial advisors disputed that characterization, saying $465,000 wouldn't necessarily qualify someone as being wealthy in retirement — especially when that nest egg might have to be spread over roughly two or three decades.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The business division harnesses end-to-end services, including novel ingredient discovery, pre-clinical testing, formulation development, quality control production and access to Debut’s IP portfolio.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
-
The KwikPen formulation of Zepbound costs up to $699 per month.—
Jackie Fortiér,
NPR,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The language of civil rights will always be most appealing to political minorities in search of procedural arguments to temper or frustrate the will of the majority.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
In late March, Tijuana officials introduced an English-language app known as the Emergency Button, or Botón de Emergencia.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
That can show up as emotional suppression, difficulty naming or expressing needs, chronic stress or a sense that vulnerability is unsafe.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
Women’s interests have long been considered frivolous—especially if such interests involve expressing emotion; talking about their feelings with each other; or navigating status and power outside of, or in direct opposition to, their relationships with straight men.—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
One change to the wording required Dalton Utilities merely to submit the application, rather than to obtain a permit, as EPA had urged.—
DYLAN JACKSON,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
-
Trump says he's been briefed on the concept of a deal, and Iranians will give him the exact wording soon.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Moore did a good job on Maher’s show of articulating the problems with closed primaries.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
3 May 2026
-
Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
