verbalism

noun

ˈvər-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce verbalism (audio)
Definition of verbalismnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words the meticulous verbalism of the senator's prepared statement suggests that she knew that it would spark controversy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in repetition
the use of too many words to express an idea prose that is lean, uncluttered, and utterly devoid of any trace of verbalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 verbalism Remaining on stage with gracious verbalism, Batiste first acknowledged the nominees. — Allison Hazel, Essence, 9 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for verbalism
  1. voice
  2. repetition
  3. expression
  4. garrulity
  5. formulation
  6. logorrhea
  7. diffusion
  8. repetitiveness
Noun
  • If not a Bible then pamphlets, concern, real or not, in their voices.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Artificial intelligence makes manipulating images, voices and video easier than ever.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Why At a time when images are constantly produced and quickly forgotten, this open call invites artists to create work that resists repetition, holds attention, and makes something felt.
    — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Not only do these dramatic repetitions yield diminishing returns, Hicks also seems to run out of ways to answer with any kind of surprising modulation.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of repetition
Noun
  • To Michael Ouweleen, who currently serves as president of Cartoon Network, the biggest early opportunities for creative expression came in the form of graphics that aired between shows.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • For her, the possibilities extend beyond music itself, into film and theater and other forms of creative expression.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • Flatulent describes inflated, pretentious writing; garrulity describes excessive talkativeness.
    — Gary Gilson, Star Tribune, 31 Oct. 2020
Definition of garrulity
Noun
  • European, Australian, and Asian sunscreens are also known for their special formulations, sunscreen filters, and more.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Among the archival treasure trove were Renna’s skin-care formulations and facial protocols.
    — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • Just as the limitless space of web text tempts writers to indulge their logorrhea, the blinking, ever-transmuting, cartoonish interface of web browsers prevents would-be readers from paying attention to anything for longer than about 7 seconds.
    — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 19 Sep. 2022
  • Nor has Musk kept his Twitter logorrhea in check in other respects.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2022
Definition of logorrhea
Noun
  • As diffusion models and computational power matured toward the end of 2023 and into 2024, the frontier inevitably moved to video.
    — Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Making robots skillful The second stage introduces a latent diffusion model, which gives BeyondMimic its ability to generate and combine movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of diffusion
Noun
  • The repetitiveness of the plot is not helped by the many montages writer-director Yandy Laurens uses as shortcuts, instead of writing scenes that show how the central relationship is developing.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Definition of repetitiveness

Browse Nearby Words

verbal
verbalism
verbalisms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verbalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/verbalism. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of shofar

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All