as in ballads
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vocals
Tony nominee Marla Mindelle, who plays Céline, is an estimable loon — a loon with enviable comedic chops and glorious vocals.
—
Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Condenser microphones are better for capturing quieter, more precise audio like vocals in a studio setting.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
At the same time, Rihanna and Lamar's vocals sound nice and rich.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Yungblud mixes punk and rock with his vocals.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
Xander is not the first familiar voice to grace The Boys, with Tilda Swinton lending her vocals to The Deep’s octopus lover Ambrosius in Season 4.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 May 2026
At least one of those, the record’s title track, seems to feature vocals from Heather Marlatt, a founding member of Salem who left the group—currently a duo of Jack Donoghue and John Holland—prior to the release of their last LP, 2020’s Fires in Heaven.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 May 2026
Each of the performers takes turns singing leads or backing vocals.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Stefani and the band - including two energetic multitaskers on keyboards, horns and backing vocals - sounded tight and looked playful during the show.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Condenser microphones are better for capturing quieter, more precise audio like vocals in a studio setting.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
At the same time, Rihanna and Lamar's vocals sound nice and rich.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Yungblud mixes punk and rock with his vocals.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
Xander is not the first familiar voice to grace The Boys, with Tilda Swinton lending her vocals to The Deep’s octopus lover Ambrosius in Season 4.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 May 2026
At least one of those, the record’s title track, seems to feature vocals from Heather Marlatt, a founding member of Salem who left the group—currently a duo of Jack Donoghue and John Holland—prior to the release of their last LP, 2020’s Fires in Heaven.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 May 2026
Each of the performers takes turns singing leads or backing vocals.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Stefani and the band - including two energetic multitaskers on keyboards, horns and backing vocals - sounded tight and looked playful during the show.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocals
Noun
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Devin Archer richly interprets Emile’s romantic ballads, French accent and all, while Cindy Chang brings some honest dignity to Bloody Mary and Anthony Maggio’s Cabel goes far beyond the standard-issue tenor.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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From Croatian folk and Czech power ballads to Serbian prog-metal and Swedish techno, here’s a look at the runners and riders from worst to best.—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The show is designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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In fact, she’s been struggling to write songs for several years due to the traumatic experience of being raped in high school.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Rob turtled inside the plastic covering while viewers heard a soundtrack of tritely soulful country lyrics about being a house of cards that’s about to break.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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Frank Sinatra would never have allowed that monster in the White House to use his music or put his lyrics in his mouth.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Blues developed after the Civil War (1861–65) and was influenced by 19th-century work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, and church music such as spirituals and hymns, as well as the folk and popular music of white Southerners.—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 May 2026
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The inspiring and idiosyncratic debut from a 53-year-old priest in Greece pinballs between drone metal and techno Christmas carols, field recordings and hymns.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vocals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocals. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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