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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phrase
Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
The phrase café culture often refers to the environment around coffee—coffee houses and cafés—where people gather to consume their favorite brew and socialize.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Slang moves fast, and already there are terms from earlier this year that are phrasing out of popularity.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Despite not being defined by law, the concept of hate speech has been a constant phrase seen in the courts since the country’s founding.
—Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
The phrase café culture often refers to the environment around coffee—coffee houses and cafés—where people gather to consume their favorite brew and socialize.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
But this is an inane question, inanely phrased, because your letters so admirably inform me of your version of tricks.
—John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Slang moves fast, and already there are terms from earlier this year that are phrasing out of popularity.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Meanwhile, analytical software has revolutionized linguistic inquiry, enabling greater understanding of the ways language works—when, how, and why words break out; the specific contexts for expressions and idioms.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
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Nonnas There's a saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn) of 2025's Nonnas is the perfect depiction of the idiom.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Doctors and public health experts said that the hepatitis B shot is currently recommended for all babies at birth because the risk if a baby is missed is too high.—
Dr. Jade Cobern,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
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Aid groups say the Israeli military continues to restrict access to food, water, and humanitarian aid, worsening a crisis already marked by starvation and displacement.—
Kaity Kline,
NPR,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In part, the contrasting results show the importance of how survey questions are worded.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Perhaps rules could be worded more vaguely, or in a more open-ended way.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But since that meeting, during which allies expressed optimism of a path forward on security guarantees, no progress has materialized.—
Michelle Stoddart,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
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The vote to approve Miran’s nomination passed 48-47, along party lines, with Democrats expressing concern about the appointment impacting the central bank’s independence.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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