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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of phrase
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
In nontrivial compositionality, a word within a phrase modifies another.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2025
Some American grantees have turned to lawyers for advice about how to phrase the responses.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
The sociologist Émile Durkheim had a wonderful phrase for this: collective effervescence.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
In nontrivial compositionality, a word within a phrase modifies another.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
There is no process publicly anymore, no presumption of innocence, no patience to wait before turning to a game of one-upmanship: Who can best phrase their conclusions in 280 characters?
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2025
Some American grantees have turned to lawyers for advice about how to phrase the responses.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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The Swedes actually have an idiom for this phenomenon.—
Anna Moeslein,
Parents,
28 Feb. 2025
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All kinds of regional idioms, local expressions, and culturally specific terms might fade out.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The rebel group said the convoy had reported its route to the military, which a junta spokesman disputed to state-run MRTV.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Schimel’s loss was a referendum on Musk.—
Will Steakin,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The documents drop includes texts between prosecutors in the case debating on how to word the indictment.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
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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
Verb
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The divergence of Americans’ preferences as expressed at the ballot box and at the checkout counter creates an awkward status quo.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
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One such problem is a too-common vocal style that is expressed in guttural growls, making lyrics difficult to decipher — at least for me.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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