as in licks
the smallest amount or part imaginable
you're not making a syllable of sense
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of syllables
Their brains had a smaller N1 response when inner and outer syllables matched (the inner SIS effect).
—
New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Such a marvelous collection of syllables.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
—Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
The Los Angeles Master Chorale uttered nonverbal syllables, yet the message was somehow clear.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The name can be pronounced with two syllables (/ˈkwɑːwɑːr/) or three (/ˈkwɑːoʊ(w)ɑːr/).
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Pärt often lets the number of syllables in a word, the length of a phrase or verse, and the sound of a language shape his formulas.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Its name pulls from the first syllables of each founder’s first name, while its design language centers on sleek minimalism and modern sensuality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Sometimes the syllables would be kind of off.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Such a marvelous collection of syllables.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
—Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
The Los Angeles Master Chorale uttered nonverbal syllables, yet the message was somehow clear.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The name can be pronounced with two syllables (/ˈkwɑːwɑːr/) or three (/ˈkwɑːoʊ(w)ɑːr/).
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Pärt often lets the number of syllables in a word, the length of a phrase or verse, and the sound of a language shape his formulas.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Its name pulls from the first syllables of each founder’s first name, while its design language centers on sleek minimalism and modern sensuality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Sometimes the syllables would be kind of off.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for syllables
Noun
-
While Kendrick and Drake were putting their pens to their limits, Metro fired up some software and got his licks in.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
-
On the title track, a handful of bass licks grow outward into a waiting drum beat.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There are hoots and hollers from raucous tourists on Bourbon Street, for example.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
-
There are a few hoots and hollers as the others agree or protest.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Time in the age of screens was rapidly changing, brazenly commercializing, exploding into bits and then getting distributed across multiple venues and devices.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
23 Oct. 2025
-
All the best bits, all the comedy and magic, but in a totally original space and setting.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Syllables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllables. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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