phrase 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrāz How to pronounce phrase (audio)
Definition of phrasenext
as in idiom
a sequence of words having a specific meaning kids drawing literal representations of the phrase "to rain cats and dogs"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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phrase

2 of 2

verb

as in to say
to convey in appropriate or telling terms he had trouble thinking of how to phrase his question for the visiting dignitary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 phrase
Noun
And the phrases in the singalong chorus generally start on the second beat of a measure, leading to the downbeat of the next bar; thus, they’re built from musical pickups. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025 What’s the old phrase: 3 million Elvis fans can’t be wrong? — Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
The actress was responding to a reporter who pressed the now Oscar winner about those in the Mexican community who felt hurt by the film, particularly since, as the reporter phrased it, Mexico was at the heart of the story. — Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025 One question, phrased many different ways, remains: Can the Bengals pull this off? (Top photo: Dylan Buell / Getty Images) Paul Dehner Jr. is a senior writer for The Athletic. — Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
  1. idiom
  2. say
  3. word
  4. express
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
Verb
  • The league does not publicize those distributions, but the Rays have been a beneficiary, people briefed on that process said.
    — Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Those frequent reports and projections are key, experts say, because food crises evolve over time, meaning early interventions save lives and save money.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of say
Verb
  • For instance, there might be wording that says ESPN can use other footage of Gastineau and that the contractual reference to modification concerned his sit-down interview and filming session.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Turns out that the stepwise reasoning was insidiously worded by the AI to avoid tipping its hand that a cheating effort was underway.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of word
Verb
  • Paul, along with a handful of other Senators, have expressed doubts about adding to the national debt.
    — Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • According to the sheriff's office, the family has expressed a desire for closure.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of express

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“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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