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

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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

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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
This phrasing equates resistance to the colonization of Palestine with the colonization itself. — Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026 The verse’s watery flow shifted into firmer phrasing in the chorus. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
And although Rolapp doesn’t like phrasing it this way, that means plenty of current tour events and sponsors would essentially be bumped to Track 2. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The first step is noticing your own reactivity threshold by identifying the precise moment when a partner’s tone, silence or phrasing triggers a flood of feeling that then drives your behavior. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 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
  • When the rhythm section drops away, her voice hangs among flute, synthesiser, and reverberation; when the rhythm returns, the bass feels newly physical.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Skip to main content Find hotels Restaurants Bars As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • The clarity in the diction may suggest both a way of absorbing difficult emotion and a way of keeping it at bay.
    — Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Lead actor Anthony Ippolito, who landed the part with an unsolicited self-tape, disappears into the garbled diction and hangdog stubbornness of a young Stallone without ever coming off as a mere impression of a person.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of diction
Verb
  • Trump officials rejected the request, saying approval was urgent.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • District officials also shared a statement on Wednesday saying its focus remains the same in serving students despite the pending change in statewide leadership.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Studies have found that, for women, testosterone gels or creams are better than oral formulations, which have been linked to liver and high cholesterol problems.
    — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Doctors are worried this season's vaccine formulation might not be as effective.
    — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • The language of the legislation that passed the House calls for an immediate adoption of year-round daylight saving time by rewriting a federal law that sets time across the country.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chanting in multiple languages filled the room and reverberated all around, the voices of the cantors at the kliros blending with the voices of the collective.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of language
Verb
  • In 2017 — after reinventing himself as a hotelier, achieving sustained success and expressing remorse — he was pardoned in 2017 by President Obama.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Many commenters describe his rallies as cult-like and farcical, with some expressing relief at the prospect of his political influence waning.
    — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of expressing
Noun
  • And, yes, this rendition represented a lyrical alteration by the Tonji that departed from the traditional wording of the French national anthem.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In the ads analyzed by Noticias Telemundo, the form and content indicating it was done with AI varied; there were differences ranging from the text size to the wording.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wording
Verb
  • Documenting which children grew sickest and following an illness from house to house was a method aimed at articulating an explainable pattern.
    — Jim Downs, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Members of the Shakur family gave emotional impact statements in court, articulating not only the generational loss the rap icon's death caused but their personal, human grief.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of articulating

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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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