so to speak

phrase

used to indicate that one is using words in an unusual or figurative way rather than a literal way
We need to be all on the same wavelength, so to speak.

Examples of so to speak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kavanaugh’s opinion left the strong impression of a Justice who has skin in the game, so to speak. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 1 July 2026 The filmmaker joins the latest edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast to discuss the glitch in the matrix (so to speak) that produced such an unfettered and uncensored explosion of self-expression. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for so to speak

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“So to speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/so%20to%20speak. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on so to speak

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster