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
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Recent Examples of phrase
Cai Cramer, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
The bullets that killed Thompson were found to have phrases critical of the health-care industry engraved on them, leading authorities to suspect the killer was someone who disliked the practices of Thompson's company.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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
The toy responds with encouraging phrases and flashing lights when kids feed it plastic coins or press its numbered buttons.
—Cai Cramer, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
The bullets that killed Thompson were found to have phrases critical of the health-care industry engraved on them, leading authorities to suspect the killer was someone who disliked the practices of Thompson's company.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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
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The versatile, always-all-in Mars is a worthy lodestar for Rosé and Rosie, an album that whirls through 21st-century pop idioms with aplomb even as its heroine ruminates on heartache and anxiety.Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
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Perhaps that’s why his debut album as Chanel Beads is filled with self-help idioms and reflections on internal conflicts.Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Officials said there's been no evidence of human to human transmission of bird flu anywhere in the United States.Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
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She is thought to have walked east from the Mather Point area, possibly toward the Bright Angel Lodge or Hermits Rest, the park service said.Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In our current culture, you are supposed to word things via a humble brag.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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The reason the Equity Assistance Fund has sat unfunded appears to stem from the way the charter amendment was worded.Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
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As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on the following players: Chicago’s Zach Lavine, Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas.Sam Amick, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
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That’s a beautiful thing to be a part of, to be a filmmaker, to be able to express that and then allow people from all different parts of the world.Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
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