as in licks
the smallest amount or part imaginable
you're not making a syllable of sense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
For the monks or clerics, it is presented as a material substance, carried like a sack of gold on the demon’s back; the metaphors used are monetary or economic, as though the monks owe ordered syllables to God instead of the monetary tithe their vows of poverty render unnecessary.
—
JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
Their brains had a smaller N1 response when inner and outer syllables matched (the inner SIS effect).
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Such a marvelous collection of syllables.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
—Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
The Los Angeles Master Chorale uttered nonverbal syllables, yet the message was somehow clear.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The name can be pronounced with two syllables (/ˈkwɑːwɑːr/) or three (/ˈkwɑːoʊ(w)ɑːr/).
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Pärt often lets the number of syllables in a word, the length of a phrase or verse, and the sound of a language shape his formulas.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Its name pulls from the first syllables of each founder’s first name, while its design language centers on sleek minimalism and modern sensuality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
Their brains had a smaller N1 response when inner and outer syllables matched (the inner SIS effect).
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Such a marvelous collection of syllables.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
—Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
The Los Angeles Master Chorale uttered nonverbal syllables, yet the message was somehow clear.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The name can be pronounced with two syllables (/ˈkwɑːwɑːr/) or three (/ˈkwɑːoʊ(w)ɑːr/).
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Pärt often lets the number of syllables in a word, the length of a phrase or verse, and the sound of a language shape his formulas.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Its name pulls from the first syllables of each founder’s first name, while its design language centers on sleek minimalism and modern sensuality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for syllables
Noun
-
While Kendrick and Drake were putting their pens to their limits, Metro fired up some software and got his licks in.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
-
On the title track, a handful of bass licks grow outward into a waiting drum beat.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There are hoots and hollers from raucous tourists on Bourbon Street, for example.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
-
There are a few hoots and hollers as the others agree or protest.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Like so many other bits of Times coverage, the whole of the piece is structured as an orchestrated encounter.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Those bits of baked-on food should wipe right off after a good soak.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
And yet, Doja continuously taps the well while adapting it to her own aesthetic, moving fluidly between sweet harmonies and nimble raps in classic Doja form.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025
-
To his credit, the streams so far have given fans a lot to unpack, as well as a trove of new snippets and hints of what sound like some very good raps from Drake.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Syllables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllables. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share