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
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Recent Examples of phrases
Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
There were a few words or phrases that Live Translation didn't catch or misunderstood, but the gist of most utterances was caught and accurately translated.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
There were spontaneous, albeit not as profound, moments when specific phrases in conversation turned into the impetus for a song.
—Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
The phrases were used across a range of merchandise like a Tiger Blood energy drink, a biographical comic book and other items, per the outlet.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Here are five passive aggressive phrases that put you on thin ice with colleagues.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Next is Seminar Room Language, or in my definition, words and phrases that have audience members looking for sticks to poke in their eyes.
—Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
Repeating these phrases—yes, at seemingly random times—can be a kid’s way of feeling seen, heard, or just passing the time.
—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
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Connections presents you with a grid of 16 words (sometimes phrases, symbols or numbers).
—Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
There were a few words or phrases that Live Translation didn't catch or misunderstood, but the gist of most utterances was caught and accurately translated.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
There were spontaneous, albeit not as profound, moments when specific phrases in conversation turned into the impetus for a song.
—Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
The phrases were used across a range of merchandise like a Tiger Blood energy drink, a biographical comic book and other items, per the outlet.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Here are five passive aggressive phrases that put you on thin ice with colleagues.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Next is Seminar Room Language, or in my definition, words and phrases that have audience members looking for sticks to poke in their eyes.
—Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
Repeating these phrases—yes, at seemingly random times—can be a kid’s way of feeling seen, heard, or just passing the time.
—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
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
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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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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
Verb
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Jones says Southwest has a plan to close the gap.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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YouTube says the rollout will happen over the coming weeks and that support for more AI dubs in different languages will be added over time.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And yet when an athlete expresses that same sentiment, nobody bats an eyelash.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
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The conversation gets heated as Vince expresses regret for putting Lauren up in the first place.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phrases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrases. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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