rephrase

verb

re·​phrase (ˌ)rē-ˈfrāz 

rephrased; rephrasing

transitive verb

: to phrase or express (something) in a different way especially to make the meaning clearer

Let me rephrase the question.

… spoke first in precise medical terms, then quickly rephrased them in laymen's language.

—George J. Church and Evan Thomas

Synonyms

• paraphrase
• restate
• reword
• translate

Examples of rephrase in a Sentence

I don't understand what you're asking—could you rephrase your question?

Recent Examples on the Web

Students can paste text and use the summarize feature to condense lengthy readings or the paraphrase feature to rephrase complex academic language into more accessible terms. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Greene refuses to answer the question until the American journalist rephrases it himself. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Collins rephrased a quote by James Connolly, a revered Irish labor leader whose picture overlooked the speakers’ area at the lunch. —Ted Reed, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

While the vote passed comfortably with a 28-10 count, some of the state’s Republicans suggested rephrasing the resolution’s wording to show appreciation for President Trump’s efforts to support drilling in Alaska. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rephrase

• ablaze
• airways
• allays
• always
• amaze
• anglaise
• appraise
• archways
• arrays
• ashtrays
• assays
• ballets