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
Examples 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
Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
To borrow Friedman’s phrase, always and everywhere, more housing is the solution to housing prices that hurt people with less money.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
When making decisions, people are often influenced by psychological factors—how a question is phrased, for example, or whether a choice seems fair or unfair—that can lead them to act in ways that appear to be irrational.
—Phillip L. Swagel, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2015
See all Example Sentences for phrase 
Noun
Using these phrases during difficult conversations can help kids build trust with their parents, feel a sense of belonging, and manage their emotions more effectively.
—Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
To borrow Friedman’s phrase, always and everywhere, more housing is the solution to housing prices that hurt people with less money.
—Roger Valdez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
But by phrasing it as choosing to live in gratitude, Alison made her choice a result of strength and control.
—Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
When making decisions, people are often influenced by psychological factors—how a question is phrased, for example, or whether a choice seems fair or unfair—that can lead them to act in ways that appear to be irrational.
—Phillip L. Swagel, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2015
See all Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
Working across styles and idioms including classical, jazz, pop, R&B, and film scoring—and breaking ground for African American achievement in the entertainment industries—Jones has garnered the highest levels of critical and commercial acclaim.Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
-
The New York alto saxophonist, composer, vocalist and bandleader makes her Bay Area debut this weekend with a series of gigs, introducing a beguiling body of tunes shaped by her Chinese American heritage and deep engagement with various jazz, folk and pop idioms.Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Another key limitation, Hall and Manson said, was the lack of a true placebo group.Simon Spichak, Health, 28 Nov. 2024
-
Salmon said Lester couldn't assist in his own defense in the criminal case.Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
The way Congress worded the Commodity Exchange Act has hurt the CFTC in court so far, said Mark Wetjen, a former commissioner and acting chairman of the agency who is now a partner at Dentons law firm.Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024
-
That means the Supreme Court would interpret the Code of Judicial Conduct, which is loosely worded.Chris Forsyth, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
India’s anti-monopolies regulator earlier this year expressed concern about a concentration of cricket rights in the hands of Reliance Industries (Viacom18, Jio) and Disney.Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
-
These pieces expressed cultural values, visualized beneficial weather or environmental conditions or depicted spiritual purposes.Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share