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 parties are not treating the bid seriously, however, given that it was submitted just days before a deadline staving off a U.S. ban is set to expire, the person said.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2025
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Breaking down The Masked Singer season 13's biggest clues and guesses After saying bye bye bye to Kirkpatrick, the panel had to take their own shot at guessing Nessy.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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It was carefully worded to only allow a president who has served two nonconsecutive terms to seek a third one, which would prevent former Presidents Obama and Bush from returning.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
1 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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After catching wind of Rock’s new love interest, Saffold took to social media to weigh in on the pairing, beginning her comments with what some took as a hint of shade before appearing to express her approval of Rock dating Newton.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Booker expressed just as much after the Suns suffered a 38-point loss to Golden State on Tuesday.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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