vernacular 1 of 2

adjective

vər-ˈna-kyə-lər How to pronounce vernacular (audio)
Definition of vernacularnext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing writes essays in a very easy-to-read, vernacular style

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

vernacular

2 of 2

noun

1
as in idiom

Related Words
2
as in binomial

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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 vernacular
Adjective
Rote’s vernacular traditions shine through in the lontar-leaf roofs and ikat fabrics incorporated into pillows, beds, and artwork. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026 And yet Webster’s dictionary, and his earlier attempts at spelling reform, expressed a radical desire to forge an entirely new tongue based in the vernacular genius of the aspiring American people. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Noun
Instead of dropping an off-the-shelf industrial layout into an unwilling town, teams can dynamically adjust spatial footprints, integrate natural sound barriers, and match structural envelopes to local architectural vernacular. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Beyond the forever home Every boom develops its own architectural vernacular. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vernacular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vernacular
  1. colloquial
  2. idiom
  3. binomial
  4. colloquialism
  5. misnomer
  6. parlance
  7. brand name
  8. regionalism
Adjective
  • Silent sleep apnea is a colloquial term for the form of the condition that occurs without the loud, disruptive snoring most people associate with it.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson’s translation has come under fire for her decision to render Homeric Greek into a direct, colloquial English.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of colloquial
Noun
  • There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season.
    — Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Dodgers acquired Skubal in an abundantly predictable bombshell trade with the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a trio of prospects, wanting to test the idiom that a ballclub can never have enough pitching.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of idiom
Noun
  • Whatever its origin story, it might be argued that as the shortest binomial composed entirely of vowels, Ia io gives scientists reason enough to shout hurrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • She is credited with naming and cataloging hundreds of native plants in the Hudson River Valley using Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus’ then-new binomial system of botanical nomenclature.
    — Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024
Definition of binomial
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Noun
  • In addition, there are the findings of the Police Reform Organizing Project’s (PROP) Court Monitoring Project, a kind of misnomer since its work actually involves assessing NYPD arrest practices.
    — Robert Gangi, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The name was a misnomer, as the species, known scientifically as Rubus armeniacus, is actually native to Armenia and northern Iran.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
Definition of misnomer
Noun
  • In response, the town shifted its marketing to late-night booze-ups and wedding parties (known, in British parlance, as stag dos and hen dos), and subsequently grew a reputation as a sandcastle Sodom.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In OpenAI's current parlance, a plugin is a bundle of apps, instructions, role-specific skills, and recurring workflows rather than an external application or a folder of sample prompts.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of parlance
Noun
  • Mack also testified that Clancy was, at the time of their interview, taking antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medications including olanzapine (brand name Zyprexa), bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin), clonidine and propranolol.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ohio State earns broadcast TV love as a massive brand name and a recent national champion.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of brand name
Noun
  • The sport is defined by regionalism and spectacle, contradiction and chaos.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The concept of critical regionalism may seem like a poor fit for New York, that proud engine of globalism, crucible of efficiency, and maximizer of revenue.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of regionalism

Browse Nearby Words

vermin
vernacular
vernacularism
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Cite this Entry

“Vernacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vernacular. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vernacular

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vernacular

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