1
as in repetition
the use of too many words to express an idea
teachers loathe the verbiage that students resort to in order to pad a paper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the pretentious verbiage that one finds in the reviews of self-important art critics
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in language
the way in which something is put into words
as per the standard verbiage of military reports, the assault was launched at "0700 hours"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 verbiage
At a recent campus campaign stop, Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback dropped some unusual verbiage while inveighing against junk food in school cafeterias.
—
Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
It’s particularly suited to tasks that involve mountains of documents and technical verbiage.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
The verbiage doesn’t have to cover each of the factors and can simply allude to some of them.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
First, they are set up for serious short squeezes because the surrounding verbiage is so toxic.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for verbiage
Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
It’s particularly suited to tasks that involve mountains of documents and technical verbiage.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
The verbiage doesn’t have to cover each of the factors and can simply allude to some of them.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
First, they are set up for serious short squeezes because the surrounding verbiage is so toxic.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for verbiage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for verbiage
Noun
-
The stage version’s episodic structure, aside from its tendency toward repetition, largely works well as a vehicle for Bunny’s restless imagination.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
-
On his latest album, the Russian producer crafts distinctive dub techno rhythms inspired by the chiming repetitions of Indonesian gamelan music.—
Sam Goldner,
Pitchfork,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For all Magyar’s rhetoric, his politics do not actually represent a comprehensive break from Orbán.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Orban’s enduring support stems from tangible benefits — utility discounts, pension supplements — alongside nationalist rhetoric emphasizing Hungary’s traditions, regional pride, and external threats such as Ukraine’s war that resonate deeply with rural and elderly voters.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Layoffs slashed offices that dealt with English-language acquisition and those that worked with poor, minority, and rural districts.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On their website, the three yellow stripes are prominently featured on the website under the Black Lives Matter wordage, and used on their social media accounts.—
Amritpal Kaur Sandhu-Longoria,
USA TODAY,
29 Mar. 2023
-
Reached by the Union-Tribune Wednesday morning, Lindsey differed with McGillis’ wordage.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2023
Noun
-
Feldmann, a relatively recent Juilliard graduate, showed his Lieder-singing chops in the Viennese fare, his tone robust, his diction crisp.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The wording of the order, co-sponsored by Brian Worrell, indicates that the summons was not only calling for testimony but for the release of body cam footage tied to that shooting, which Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden is withholding.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
-
That is also reflected in the latest analysis of the bill by senate staff, which includes possible new wording focusing only on the assessment and not on establishing a new policy to bring back grizzlies.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Director Scott Ellis understands all this, and thus the admirably specific physical business and slurred verbosity in his gently outré revival really makes for quite the amusing diversion.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Director Scott Ellis understands all this and thus the admirably specific physical business and slurred verbosity in his gently outré revival really makes for quite the amusing diversion.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But some hair serums feature specialized formulations that specifically target different hair types.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
However, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe specific formulations or higher doses when treating significant anemia.—
T'Keyah Bazin,
Verywell Health,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Verbiage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/verbiage. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
