as in ballads
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of vocals
Released in November 2025, Zhamira’s debut LP Curita Para el Corazón is a Latin pop record that emphasizes the singer’s strong, emotional vocals against delicate acoustic moments.
—
Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Solomon originally sang the song while shooting, but Rimes recorded the vocals two weeks ago to be used on top of the scene.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Gene Pitney took the track, subbed his vocals for Sedaka’s and wound up with a Top 10 hit at a time Sedaka couldn’t break the Top 40.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
In Fort Worth, fans can expect a visually elaborate production, powerhouse vocals and a set list spanning new material and classic hits — the kind of maximalist pop show Gaga has spent nearly two decades perfecting.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Joining them are The Steel Wheels, known for their soulful Americana style, and the all-female ensemble Sister Sadie, bringing tight vocals, crisp picking and bold bluegrass spirit.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
As the arrangement swells, her layers of vocals begin to blend together—one line scatting while another rises in a chant.
—Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026
They will be joined by The E Street Horns (Barry Danielian, Eddie Manion, Ozzie Melendez, Curt Ramm), The E Street Choir (Lisa Lowell, Michelle Moore, Ada Dyer, Curtis King) and Anthony Almonte (percussion, vocals).
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Accompanied by a five-piece band (including backing vocals by Broadway veteran Shelley Thomas-Harts), Williams performs songs showcasing her versatility and longevity spanning five decades.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Solomon originally sang the song while shooting, but Rimes recorded the vocals two weeks ago to be used on top of the scene.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Gene Pitney took the track, subbed his vocals for Sedaka’s and wound up with a Top 10 hit at a time Sedaka couldn’t break the Top 40.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
In Fort Worth, fans can expect a visually elaborate production, powerhouse vocals and a set list spanning new material and classic hits — the kind of maximalist pop show Gaga has spent nearly two decades perfecting.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Joining them are The Steel Wheels, known for their soulful Americana style, and the all-female ensemble Sister Sadie, bringing tight vocals, crisp picking and bold bluegrass spirit.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
As the arrangement swells, her layers of vocals begin to blend together—one line scatting while another rises in a chant.
—Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026
They will be joined by The E Street Horns (Barry Danielian, Eddie Manion, Ozzie Melendez, Curt Ramm), The E Street Choir (Lisa Lowell, Michelle Moore, Ada Dyer, Curtis King) and Anthony Almonte (percussion, vocals).
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Accompanied by a five-piece band (including backing vocals by Broadway veteran Shelley Thomas-Harts), Williams performs songs showcasing her versatility and longevity spanning five decades.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocals
Noun
-
And the violent scenes aren’t grotesque or didactic — think of Miles’ muted trumpet sound reconfigured as resurrection visuals, of his ability to play and stage ballads so well that their uptempo momentum moves into territories too macabre to mute.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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Within hours of El Mencho’s death there were already ballads, known as narcocorridos, written about his killing.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The creatives focused on being true to the concepts and emotion of the songs rather than direct translations of the lyrics.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Nine of his songs have landed on the Billboard Hot 100 — an impressive feat for any regional Mexican artist.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The creatives focused on being true to the concepts and emotion of the songs rather than direct translations of the lyrics.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His lyrics detail a process of active healing, gesturing at a contentedness that beds in as your 20 begin to wane.—
Liam Inscoe-Jones,
Pitchfork,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Instead, the words written in her autobiography served as the guide for the two-hour service filled with hymns and scriptures, as Christ Episcopal Church rector Father Jonathan Archer read a passage from the book which was published in 2000 during her memorial on Friday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Vocals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocals. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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