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
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
Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Bret has also brought some familiar phrases, at least to the ears of former Yankee Kyle Higashioka.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Include how to phrase these questions tactfully and what responses might indicate a poor fit.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
And interviewers are quick to spot red flags like buzzword-heavy phrases with no context or answers that lack warmth or spontaneity.
—Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Bret has also brought some familiar phrases, at least to the ears of former Yankee Kyle Higashioka.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Verb
Transcribe phrases that resonate or challenge you.
—Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Include how to phrase these questions tactfully and what responses might indicate a poor fit.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
Powered by nine proprietary learning methods, the platform integrates real-time cultural signals - from memes and slang to idioms and ancient lore.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
But the nature of all idioms is that their meaning cannot be deduced from their components; the phrase kicked the bucket does not put the English speaker in the mind of an actual bucket, just as the word death does not remind him terribly of the letter D.—
Andrea Long Chu,
Vulture,
6 May 2025
Verb
-
Another victim was also found dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2025
-
Officer and firefighters responded to a missing child in the area near 2401 Preston Road around 9 p.m., Frisco police said.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Could the Ravens have worded Tucker’s release differently?—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
8 May 2025
-
Many experienced screen lags and error messages, struggled to finish and save essays and complained of multiple-choice questions that were worded improperly and included typos.—
Jenny Jarvie,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
Trump, for his part, has expressed admiration for Musk while also signaling the limits of their working relationship.—
Shannon Carroll,
Quartz,
29 May 2025
-
All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share