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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phrasing
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Lamott’s phrasing, and my reaction, had proved the point.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 10 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
The phrasing is flat, declarative, and uninterested in anecdote; taken together, the dicta sketch a profile that is periodic, age-linked, and seasonal.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Lamott’s phrasing, and my reaction, had proved the point.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 10 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
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The notes bounced over the lapping water, and people’s voices came in fragments.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
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And these unlikely advocates are determined to use their voices for good.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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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That neighbor also raised concerns about security, saying fewer on-site resources and changes in how calls are handled have left some people feeling uneasy.—
Daniel Wilkerson,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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For years, would-be first-time homebuyers have complained about the skimpy inventory of starter homes, saying costly McMansion-style subdivisions are all that’s being built now.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With cultural mainstays like rice extract and buzzy compounds like several types of hyaluronic acid, these formulations offer more than straightforward sun protection.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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Current formulations of the drug also persist in the bloodstream for long periods, which can have unintended consequences.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Speech-language pathologists work with people who have disorders involving speech, language and swallowing, sometimes from injuries, medical conditions or developmental delays.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Once each semester, Grit Matthias Phelps, a German language instructor at Cornell University, introduces her students to the raw feeling of typing without online assistance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Some union leaders for health care workers with Allina released a statement upon the announcement of this deal expressing some concerns.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The shooting unleashed a stream of political reaction, with Republicans quick to blame Pritzker and his fellow Democrats for championing the state’s sanctuary policies, using them as a political cudgel in expressing outrage over Gorman’s killing.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The wording was our way of capturing voter sentiment.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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While the bill originally included sidewalks and other public passages in its wording, those were removed in an later amendment.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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 2 Apr. 2026.
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