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
Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
In a document shown to the potential contestants, producers advised them to be themselves, tell their stories and avoid vague phrases.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Include how to phrase these questions tactfully and what responses might indicate a poor fit.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Vanbiesbrouck coined the phrase in the newspapers, and a legend was born, a dead rodent transmogrifying suddenly into something that would bond a team and its fans.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
In a document shown to the potential contestants, producers advised them to be themselves, tell their stories and avoid vague phrases.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
Transcribe phrases that resonate or challenge you.
—Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Include how to phrase these questions tactfully and what responses might indicate a poor fit.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Unleashing Wood has ushered in an exciting new phase for a widely influential band that has defined a state-of-the-art jazz idiom deeply engaged with other genres.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
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Scientists analyzed recordings of three groups of chimpanzees living in the Ivory Coast and found that chimps can combine their hoots, grunts and calls in a similar way to how humans use idioms or change the order of words to build new phrases.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Padilla said he got fed up listening to her remarks about criminals and invasions and tried to ask a question, while moving forward past the wall of television cameras.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
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Shortly after, Kehl would fall to his death at a neighboring building — police have yet to say if the fall was intentional or accidental.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Like a poem, a poll should also anticipate as many readerly perspectives as possible, wording questions so that everyone from avid readers to people who haven’t touched a novel since grade school can understand them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 June 2025
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Could the Ravens have worded Tucker’s release differently?—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
8 May 2025
Verb
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The Senate holds a slim majority, and at least four Senators, including Paul, have publicly expressed concerns over parts of the bill (the others are Ron Johnson, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski).—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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And all three other members express regret about George’s indecision costing the group a spot in the lineup for the historic marathon Live Aid concert at London’s Wembley Stadium.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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