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
Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.
—Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 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
This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony.
—Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.
—Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 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
-
Jazz values each member’s unique voice.—
Steven D. Reske,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Her voice sounded cold and disappointed.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
But Auschwitz had also left its mark on his diction—a sort of verbal tattoo.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The odds usually appeared alone, without referencing any specific sportsbook, but, periodically, text appeared in the ticker saying they were provided by DraftKings.—
Luke Connors,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
-
Both were wearing fatigues, the chief recalled her saying.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Their preferences include authentic storytelling, clean formulations and culturally resonant branding, which is shaping product pipelines and marketing strategies.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
-
Asked to describe her thematic preoccupations as a filmmaker, Sode offers a succinct formulation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong apologized for using vulgar language in a heated exchange with a fan during Sunday’s loss to the Chicago White Sox.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
In 1996, Fuhrman pleaded no contest to perjury for falsely denying his use of racist language.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Add ingredients, stir briefly to integrate them together and garnish with a large grapefruit peel, expressing the oils over the top of the drink before adding the peel to the glass.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
23 May 2026
-
According to the Russian human rights organization OVD-Info, over 20,000 Russian citizens have been detained since 2022 for expressing antiwar opinions, including online.—
Benjamin Nathans,
The New York Review of Books,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Confused by Garcia’s wording, police thought he’d been shot.—
Ella Moore,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
-
What matters is not political rhetoric, but policy wording.—
Contessa Brewer,Dawn Giel,
CNBC,
19 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 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
