syllables

noun

plural of syllable
as in licks
the smallest amount or part imaginable you're not making a syllable of sense

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 syllables Cybersecurity, with its six syllables, is by no means a small word. — Ipsita Mohanty, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 For example, Anna Claire has a nice balance of syllables and distinctive sounds, while Anna Ella feels more repetitive. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 23 June 2026 Homer wrote a very long line of poetry—dactylic hexameter, with its six beats, and as many as seventeen syllables. — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 Popularized by a beer commercial during the 1986 World Cup, it’s used to rally on teams with its repetitive (albeit nonsensical) syllables as well as its upbeat ending. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 After the breakdown plunges into a low-pass filter, the song emerges out the other hand with a fully fledged vocal, lyrics and all—a relatively rarity in Willner’s world of half-syllables and blurred phrases. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 18 May 2026 Just the title, with its three abrupt syllables, becomes the echo of a century’s rattling sabres. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 May 2026 Her lyrics were as interested in the sound of language as the meaning, stretching words like taffy and ping-ponging syllables around. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 The method of literacy instruction is often associated with smaller letter sounds, like consonant blends or syllables. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for syllables
  1. licks
  2. hoots
  3. bits
  4. raps
Noun
  • Zachary Stevenson’s performance replicates the nerdy-yet-hip Texan through impressive guitar licks and superb vocals that are equally comfortable with sweet ballads and on-the-edge rockabilly songs.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • Elk, deer, and buffalo had migrated to and from mineral licks throughout North America for millennia.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Definition of licks
Noun
  • Their hoots and hollers drowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation of how a title defense fell short.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • Wiseman said to hoots from the crowd of media gathered at the site.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of hoots
Noun
  • Unlike previous studies, which examined bits of hair and bone fragments in wolf scat to determine what the animals ate, the UC Davis researchers used DNA analysis to determine the makeup of the samples.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
  • But as memory makers try to build higher stacks to pack in more bits and bandwidth, experts worry this high bandwidth-memory (HBM) will trap enough heat to cook itself into oblivion.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026
Definition of bits
Noun
  • Forward motion is exciting, and Pz’ raps are effortless without curdling into indifference.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
  • Released on Sky Rompiendo’s independent imprint, Black Koi Entertainment, the song finds Maluma offering his sultry vocals as Kris R’s raps over the smooth reggaeton beat.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of raps

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Cite this Entry

“Syllables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllables. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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