term 1 of 2

noun

ˈtərm How to pronounce term (audio)
Definition of termnext
1
as in tenure
a fixed period of time during which a person holds a job or position elected for a two-year term as mayor

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2
as in word
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field what's the term for the odd feeling that you've experienced an event before?

Synonyms & Similar Words

term

2 of 2

verb

as in to name
to give a name to the armed forces began a rescue mission termed Operation In and Out

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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 term
Noun
This term is significant as the equipment can connect different radios, networks, and communications methods that might otherwise struggle to communicate with one another. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 If someone borrows equipment or asks for help, set clear terms that feel fair. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Verb
The winner will replace Supervisor Doug Chaffee, who is termed out next January. — Claire Wang, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 Or, as our staff termed it today, mad. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for term
Recent Examples of Synonyms for term
  1. tenure
  2. word
  3. name
  4. stint
  5. phrase
  6. call
  7. expression
  8. title
Noun
  • During his tenure, Rousteing spearheaded the creation of the ‘Balmain Army’, a diverse and influential community of models, influencers, and celebrities that included figures such as the Kardashians.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 14 July 2026
  • During his short tenure as Jets coach, Glenn has emphasized building a winning culture centered on high-character players who prioritize the team’s goals over personal agendas.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026
Definition of tenure
Noun
  • While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • After a two-year process, the Diocese of Duluth awaits word from the Vatican on whether Monsignor Joseph Buh — a Slovenian immigrant to the region — could be Minnesota’s first saint, and the nation’s 12th.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • There are plenty of mules to covet this season, from Neous’s raffia mule, to Loewe’s Origami style, named so after the way the leather folds.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • The April 7 raid, targeting a man living on the 5300 block of Woodside Way in Antioch, came just days before authorities announced that another suspect — a famous rapper named Reno Fiapoto, aka Tear It Off Greezy — had been charged in the killing.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • Long distance was said to have contributed to the December 2025 split that coincided with the end of his two-season stint with the Fins.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • This move comes shortly after his release from the Toronto Blue Jays, where his major league stint was remarkably brief.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of stint
Noun
  • Connections is a free daily New York Times game that challenges you to arrange a grid of 16 words, phrases or symbols into four groups.
    — Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • But no, this is an actual phrase in the world of medicine, apparently used by obstetricians to inflict emotional harm on pregnant folks over the age of 35.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of phrase
Verb
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of call
Noun
  • The intuitive Moon moves through your 8th House of Intimacy, squaring powerful Pluto in your 5th House of Creativity, so deeper feelings may meet a desire for expression, romance, or play.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
  • Código 1530, however, decided to age its new expression for a full 15 years before giving it a relatively brief finish, making this one of the oldest (and most expensive) tequilas currently on the market.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
Definition of expression
Verb
  • Less than a month before the band drops a new album titled Foreign Tongues – which is expected this Friday (July 10) – the legendary group shared another double single from this era.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Sly Stone famously titled the album as a response to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, and those 1971 releases stand tall today as two very different monuments to the creative and political possibilities of soul music.
    — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026
Definition of title

Browse Nearby Words

tergiversation
term
termagant
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Cite this Entry

“Term.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/term. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on term

Nglish: Translation of term for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about term

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