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
Yes, Jaafar is actually singing while portraying Michael, with the late singer's vocals also being blended into some of the tracks.
—
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Brian Gibson’s gangrenous bass riffs and gibbering, muffled vocals have even more gonzo energy than usual, while Chippendale mixes bombast and finesse with his customary flair.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
The band members are Kris Bergmann on vocals, John Murphy on vocals and keyboards, Andrew Sage on vocals and guitar, Michael Schomaker on guitar, Dave Bell on bass and Mike Racer on drums.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
The song’s emotional core is unmistakable, with impassioned vocals capturing a sense of longing and vulnerability.
—Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
The songs will feature bells, xylophones, and other soothing instruments in place of Beyoncé’s vocals, as reported by Billboard.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The band was founded in 1988 by Bradley Nowell on vocals and guitar, Bud Gaugh on drums and Eric Wilson on bass.
—Richard Guzman, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Leo, meanwhile, shifts from rhythm guitar for the Hazards to lead guitar and trumpet for Elemental Sparks while Olivia handles rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
In 1977, Vandross introduced Anderson to Rodgers and his writing partner Bernard Edwards, who were forming the then-new group, Chic, with Tony Thompson on drums and Norma Jean Wright on lead vocals.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Brian Gibson’s gangrenous bass riffs and gibbering, muffled vocals have even more gonzo energy than usual, while Chippendale mixes bombast and finesse with his customary flair.
—Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
The band members are Kris Bergmann on vocals, John Murphy on vocals and keyboards, Andrew Sage on vocals and guitar, Michael Schomaker on guitar, Dave Bell on bass and Mike Racer on drums.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
The song’s emotional core is unmistakable, with impassioned vocals capturing a sense of longing and vulnerability.
—Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
The songs will feature bells, xylophones, and other soothing instruments in place of Beyoncé’s vocals, as reported by Billboard.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The band was founded in 1988 by Bradley Nowell on vocals and guitar, Bud Gaugh on drums and Eric Wilson on bass.
—Richard Guzman, Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Leo, meanwhile, shifts from rhythm guitar for the Hazards to lead guitar and trumpet for Elemental Sparks while Olivia handles rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
In 1977, Vandross introduced Anderson to Rodgers and his writing partner Bernard Edwards, who were forming the then-new group, Chic, with Tony Thompson on drums and Norma Jean Wright on lead vocals.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocals
Noun
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The ballads speak about love, but from a relaxed place.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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Interspersed with folk ballads, this fantasia-like play certainly creates a mood, but struggles to tell a cohesive story.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That qualifies as a bold move in an era when legendary and up-and-coming artists alike often hesitate to perform even one or two songs from their latest albums — the better to avoid an exodus of attendees making a beeline for refreshments, restrooms or the merch booths.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Her songs in the film — written by Charli xcx, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs, who also co-stars — also have real pop bona fides.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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John Lennon basically saw a poster for a circus event with Henry the Horse, so that essentially became the lyrics to that song.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
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As usual, Bey’s lyrics touch on heavy themes without pressing on them.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Christian hymns were sung in English and Creole.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
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The music is eclectic and includes sounds associated with Islam as well as bluegrass, hymns and spirituals.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vocals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocals. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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