as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning
the English idiom "how are you doing?" is our version of a greeting that in some other languages can be translated as "how are you going?"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 idiom
To quote a homespun idiom, there are different horses for different courses.
—
PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Especially in multilingual markets, users frequently mix languages and use non-standard grammar, local idioms, creative spelling and hybrid sentence structures.
—Alessa Cross, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Overall, the impression the car imparts is decidedly futuristic, and the design idiom certainly aligns with other recent luxurious EV concepts, such as those unveiled by Jaguar, Mercedes, and Genesis, as well as production vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
By the time these terms get into the mainstream, new ones have already appeared, although some (such as to dig or cool) remain staples of the idiom despite wide non-Negro use.
—Benjamin Hale
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Especially in multilingual markets, users frequently mix languages and use non-standard grammar, local idioms, creative spelling and hybrid sentence structures.
—Alessa Cross, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Overall, the impression the car imparts is decidedly futuristic, and the design idiom certainly aligns with other recent luxurious EV concepts, such as those unveiled by Jaguar, Mercedes, and Genesis, as well as production vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
By the time these terms get into the mainstream, new ones have already appeared, although some (such as to dig or cool) remain staples of the idiom despite wide non-Negro use.
—Benjamin Hale
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
phrase
Noun
-
Westman’s writings, viewable in the videos, and the words, phrases and symbolism the shooter drew on the weapons used in the attack show an apparent obsession with past shooting attacks, Gais said.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
-
And the phrase can quickly spark contentious debate, as many argue that the phrase is just a way to shut down conversation when very little has been done to prevent further American gun violence.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share