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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Recent Examples of vocals
But Azor brushed aside their concerns and pushed them into a bathroom to record their vocals.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
That is always wonderful, to hear a crowd sing a band’s songs back to them, and it was especially appreciated in this instance as the vocals were a little lost in the churning maelstrom of rock coming from the stage.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
He was known for the warm bass vocals and easygoing presence that helped anchor the group’s sophisticated harmonies and modern pop sensibility.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
McLemore lent the bass vocals that were a crucial anchor to the group’s immensely pleasing, sophisticated, radio-friendly harmonies which have been credited with expanding the sounds of 1960s pop, soul and R&B.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
Copies of the book included a link to a recording of the titular lullaby—featuring Clarkson’s dreamy vocals, of course.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Aquilla Sadalla’s wordless vocals, a gorgeous swell of howls and heaves, complement the arrangement without becoming the focal point.
—Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
The project, which Carey discussed in her 2020 memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey, was recorded in 1995 under the pseudonym Chick, with her friend Clarissa Dane handling lead vocals and Carey singing background vocals.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of iconic hits, powerhouse vocals, and timeless rock energy.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
That is always wonderful, to hear a crowd sing a band’s songs back to them, and it was especially appreciated in this instance as the vocals were a little lost in the churning maelstrom of rock coming from the stage.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
He was known for the warm bass vocals and easygoing presence that helped anchor the group’s sophisticated harmonies and modern pop sensibility.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
McLemore lent the bass vocals that were a crucial anchor to the group’s immensely pleasing, sophisticated, radio-friendly harmonies which have been credited with expanding the sounds of 1960s pop, soul and R&B.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
Copies of the book included a link to a recording of the titular lullaby—featuring Clarkson’s dreamy vocals, of course.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Aquilla Sadalla’s wordless vocals, a gorgeous swell of howls and heaves, complement the arrangement without becoming the focal point.
—Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
The project, which Carey discussed in her 2020 memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey, was recorded in 1995 under the pseudonym Chick, with her friend Clarissa Dane handling lead vocals and Carey singing background vocals.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of iconic hits, powerhouse vocals, and timeless rock energy.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocals
Noun
-
Her program will feature dance tunes, ballads and airs.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Every year, these flashy performances — from classic movie-musical extravaganzas to Disney earworms to Bond themes to power ballads — are the highlight of an already ridiculously flashy ceremony.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And since leaving prison in early January, the preacher has wasted no time in spreading his gospel in a tranche of new songs published on his social media platforms.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Unlike many of his Latin pop predecessors, who released songs in English in hopes of broadening their audience, the singer has not recorded any full-length English material across his six studio albums.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The song’s lyrics come from a poem his great grandmother penned more than a century ago.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
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More uncomfortable than the album’s distorted genrebending are Han’s lyrics, which narrate confessional and confrontational male desire.—
James Gui,
Pitchfork,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
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The old Latin Mass features readings and hymns in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the faithful in the pews.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vocals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocals. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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