expression

noun

ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
Definition of expressionnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words the poem is his expression of his grief upon the loss of his beloved wife

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2
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling we could tell by the fans' expressions that the Chicago Cubs had lost again

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3
as in term
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field the expression "John Doe" is used in legal proceedings to refer to a person whose actual name is either unknown or being withheld from the public

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4
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the popular expression "raining cats and dogs" is meaningless in other languages

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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 expression The Nationals also announced a perk specific to federal employees past and present: Current and former employees of the federal government are eligible to receive two free tickets to this year's exhibition game as a special expression of gratitude for their services. — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 This new Double Double blend is quite good and definitely unlike other expressions in the series. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 The expressions appear fearful when viewed from below. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025 Deepfake films, for example, frequently feature odd blinking patterns, erratic lighting and inconsistent facial expressions. — Rohan Pinto, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
  1. voice
  2. look
  3. term
  4. phrase
  5. formulation
  6. face
  7. word
  8. idiom
Noun
  • The video featured two artists: five-time Grammy-nominee Kehlani and one of R&B’s most arresting new voices — kwn.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025
  • While some authoritative voices speak with optimism, others do not share the same tone.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Here is what was being said both in favor and against the look.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
  • To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, here's a look at the stars all grown up and in love Comments It's been two decades since Dylan and Cole Sprouse started wreaking havoc in the halls of the Tipton Hotel on the Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of look
Noun
  • The term was adopted into English in the early 19th century, especially in the context of cattle herding in the American West.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Asian animation continues to evolve and grow its profile on the global stage in both artistic and commercial terms.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of term
Noun
  • While that excitement still defines the event, the phrase may work better today describing the frenzy of fans trying to get to the actual games.
    — DeMarco Williams, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • And with conditions like OCD, suppressing anxiety can lead to compulsive behaviors—such as repeating certain phrases or avoiding specific people or places—in an attempt to neutralize fear, which often backfires and worsens it.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Pharmaceutical companies are already using AI to optimize drug formulations and predict adverse reactions.
    — Mika Newton, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Estrogen creams marketed specifically for anti-aging, on the other hand, have different formulations.
    — Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • The entire family had smiles on their faces for the cute moment.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Freezing-stinging waves, spray wetting their faces.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of face
Noun
  • The word has carried both literal and metaphorical meanings (like inspiration or a small beginning of something) since early usage.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • People with limited connection to the group where the word originated may not fully understand what the word means, how it is pronounced, or how it is used.
    — Sarah Bunin Benor, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of word
Noun
  • There is a French idiom that says when something is so easy, it can be done with ‘les doigts dans le nez’ — the fingers in the nose.
    — Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While often used sarcastically to mock true believers, the idiom reflects Italy’s enduring ambiguity toward Fascism, even 80 years after its fall.
    — Mattia Ferraresi, airmail.news, 1 Feb. 2025
Definition of idiom

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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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