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
Despite the ribald phrasing, this kind of question is not entirely uncommon at Memphis’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 The phrasing came straight from Parliament’s own Declaratory Act of 1766, passed on the same day the Stamp Act was repealed. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
But that should be phrasing that should never be used. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 3 May 2026 The nonprofit group, whose name mirrors phrasing that has been used in Bennet’s campaign messaging, does not disclose its donors. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 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
  • Trump said Leavitt will remain a close adviser and influential voice within the Republican Party after her departure.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Zeman is a consistently strong voice for higher teacher salaries.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Regrettably, even after all this time living here, my bride never fails to seize the opportunity to suggest my diction is something less than poifect.
    — Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This was a lexicon both earthy and expansive, a diction vulgar and elevated, granular and capricious.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of diction
Verb
  • After Panettiere’s passing, Neutrogena released a statement saying the company is deeply saddened by her death.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • On the battlefield, Zelenskyy was optimistic, saying Ukraine had almost completely regained control of the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only about 10 square kilometers and three small villages remaining outside Ukrainian control.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Beyond removing the psychological and practical barrier of injections, oral formulations are not reliant on syringes or refrigeration and are cheaper to manufacture.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The health care company could develop Keytuda co-formulations that would extend the tail of the brand-name drug's franchise, mitigating the impact of that patent expiration, according to the analyst.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • Jurin keeps working after the conversation ends—across phone, email, web chat and LINE, the messaging app used by the vast majority of Japan’s population—connecting plain language to the software that acts.
    — Jurin AI Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Born and raised in Paris’s Chinatown, Zouaghi’s fluent command of Mandarin led him to teach the Chinese language to students in New York City, and eventually London.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of language
Verb
  • Instead, focus on socializing with others, exploring sports, enjoying playful times with kids and expressing your creative talents.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Depending on the cause, a veterinarian may recommend expressing the anal glands, treating an infection or addressing contributing issues such as chronic soft stool, allergies, parasites or excess weight.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of expressing
Noun
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The text, pickup time, or travel detail may need clearer wording today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • There are caveats in the wording, which allow treatment as before if the keeper is fouled or suffers an impact injury and needs immediate attention.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wording
Verb
  • Park excels at articulating the importance and immediacy of youth, when bonds carry an extra intensity that makes breaking them feel bigger than life.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • DeepSeek’s January 2025 announcement compelled many observers to acknowledge a trajectory that Beijing had been articulating through industrial policies, successive Five-Year Plans, and national technology strategies for more than a decade.
    — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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