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
Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Mar. 2025
These phrases dismiss bisexuality as a temporary phase rather than a valid identity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
While some agencies provided guidance on how employees should phrase their responses, others remained uncertain.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Russ Scholl, a ski instructor at Breckenridge Ski Resort, has published a 133-square grid of funky colloquial phrases for different types of snow.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Mar. 2025
These phrases dismiss bisexuality as a temporary phase rather than a valid identity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
Some American grantees have turned to lawyers for advice about how to phrase the responses.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
While some agencies provided guidance on how employees should phrase their responses, others remained uncertain.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
-
There is a French idiom that says when something is so easy, it can be done with ‘les doigts dans le nez’ — the fingers in the nose.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
-
While often used sarcastically to mock true believers, the idiom reflects Italy’s enduring ambiguity toward Fascism, even 80 years after its fall.—
Mattia Ferraresi,
airmail.news,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The rebel group said the convoy had reported its route to the military, which a junta spokesman disputed to state-run MRTV.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
-
White House officials said the calculations came from the Council of Economic Advisers.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
For instance, there might be wording that says ESPN can use other footage of Gastineau and that the contractual reference to modification concerned his sit-down interview and filming session.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The divergence of Americans’ preferences as expressed at the ballot box and at the checkout counter creates an awkward status quo.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
-
One such problem is a too-common vocal style that is expressed in guttural growls, making lyrics difficult to decipher — at least for me.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share