as in idioms
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 words
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 phrases
Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Many kids find repeating these phrases satisfying, or silly, or just plain fun to say, Estevez says.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 Sep. 2025
Here's a look at some of the top words, phrases, and emojis being used by Gen Alpha right now.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Those phrases do not resonate with a majority of voters who identify as Democrats or independents, and in fact reinforce the GOP brand instead of building credibility for Democrats.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The employee's actions appeared to be intended for amusement, with the chatbot programmed to read the phrases back in an accent.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Clips that focused on Westman’s apparent arsenal not only included names of mass shooters but also showed phrases that had antisemitic undertones.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
But closer to me, and with greater incident, these phrases are inflected by the voice of Hiba Abu Nada, the Gazan poet who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on October 20, 2023.
—Huda Fakhreddine
august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Chicago police again issued a community alert Tuesday night as antisemitic phrases continue to appear on property in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Additionally, domain names are appreciating assets, and their value tends to grow over time, especially in relation to emerging industries or trending phrases.
—Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Many kids find repeating these phrases satisfying, or silly, or just plain fun to say, Estevez says.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 Sep. 2025
Here's a look at some of the top words, phrases, and emojis being used by Gen Alpha right now.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Those phrases do not resonate with a majority of voters who identify as Democrats or independents, and in fact reinforce the GOP brand instead of building credibility for Democrats.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The employee's actions appeared to be intended for amusement, with the chatbot programmed to read the phrases back in an accent.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Clips that focused on Westman’s apparent arsenal not only included names of mass shooters but also showed phrases that had antisemitic undertones.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
But closer to me, and with greater incident, these phrases are inflected by the voice of Hiba Abu Nada, the Gazan poet who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on October 20, 2023.
—Huda Fakhreddine
august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Chicago police again issued a community alert Tuesday night as antisemitic phrases continue to appear on property in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Extract phrases from calls, build frameworks from notes, convert DMs to posts.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrases
Noun
-
These systems can interpret regional slang, idioms and context-specific expressions, hence minimizing both over-censorship and under-enforcement.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Allusions to myths, fables, and riffs on common idioms abound, many of them evocative and quite funny.—
Lora Kelley,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Michôd says that Sweeney was initially tentative about Martin's involvement, wanting to protect her own creative space, but opened up upon realizing that Martin wasn't going to try and control her performance.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Kentucky’s constitution specifically allows suspects to be held without bail for a crime where the death penalty is on the table, but Stines’ defense team says the state is still required to prove at a hearing that there is enough evidence to presume Stines is guilty in order to keep him locked up.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But within the romantic tropes, Sheeran expresses feelings beyond falling in love with someone’s eyes and smile, instead embracing flaws (clothes strewn about the house) and habits (checking the door locks before bedtime).—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Bach Mai, who hails from Texas, expresses that RAISEfashion has been highly supportive of his namesake brand.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrases. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share