phrase 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrāz How to pronounce phrase (audio)
Definition of phrasenext
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

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phrase

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
Typically, these phrases should be taken with a grain of salt. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025 For those of us old enough to remember Martin (or caught up through reruns), that phrase is etched into our pop culture vocabulary. — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
His own, well, grumpiness, as his pitching coach phrases it in the most complimentary of ways. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025 The crisis experts phrased it differently. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
  1. idiom
  2. say
  3. word
  4. express
Noun
  • Ultimately, Andrews and his actors find Chekhov by abandoning the paraphernalia of the writer’s universe and groping, in their own idiom, across a perilously empty stage, toward one another.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Which is fitting for a composer who, even when developing a homegrown idiom of his own, was criticized for sounding too European.
    — Joshua Barone, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of idiom
Verb
  • The once-daily version of the pill was in early-stage testing, with researchers trying to figure out the best dose for patients, a spokeswoman said.
    — Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, had said the accord was proving effective.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of say
Verb
  • Similarly, much of the military is led by presidential appointees and is under the command of the president, who has broadly worded statutory authority to deploy the military in a range of domestic situations.
    — Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Watch out for similar phrases or wording in the reviews, or an overwhelming number of five-star reviews.
    — Kara Fellows, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of word
Verb
  • Yi Ming’s personal resilience and love of light is expressed in the work.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
    — Made by History, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of express

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Cite this Entry

“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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