1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words
research has shown that the phrasing of the question on certain hot-button issues greatly influences the response
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in diction
the way in which something is put into words
a particularly delicate and careful phrasing of the statement regarding the nature of the couple's relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in saying
to convey in appropriate or telling terms
he had trouble thinking of how to phrase his question for the visiting dignitary
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of phrasing
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Magic City is well known as a strip club in Atlanta, but that exact phrasing was missing from the original release.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Noun
Whether performing solos such as ‘O Holy Night’ or singing within the honors choir, Lucy demonstrates excellent vocal technique, thoughtful phrasing, and a deep commitment to musical storytelling.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Magic City is well known as a strip club in Atlanta, but that exact phrasing was missing from the original release.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
But Nelson plays odd tricks with rhythm—phrasing behind the beat while his guitar rushes forward.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrasing
Noun
-
While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As the MorphoScan measures and calculates, a voice will pipe up offering guidance and progress reports.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Feldmann, a relatively recent Juilliard graduate, showed his Lieder-singing chops in the Viennese fare, his tone robust, his diction crisp.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That neighbor also raised concerns about security, saying fewer on-site resources and changes in how calls are handled have left some people feeling uneasy.—
Daniel Wilkerson,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For years, would-be first-time homebuyers have complained about the skimpy inventory of starter homes, saying costly McMansion-style subdivisions are all that’s being built now.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In 2023, the FDA banned compounding pharmacies (non-standard pharmacies that produce customized formulations for patients) from producing 14 specific peptides.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
What’s Really on Shelves Reduced and alternative sugar formulations built on monk fruit, allulose, stevia and date syrup are expanding across retail.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Speech-language pathologists work with people who have disorders involving speech, language and swallowing, sometimes from injuries, medical conditions or developmental delays.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Once each semester, Grit Matthias Phelps, a German language instructor at Cornell University, introduces her students to the raw feeling of typing without online assistance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sports, after all, can be a vehicle for shaping our values and expressing our desires.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
According to the wording of the bill, a library board would need majority approval from a city council for these staffing decisions.—
Rose Evans
Updated March 30,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Across all of the incidents, Turkish officials have been careful in their wording.—
Steve Mollman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Was Hurzeler merely articulating what others in the game are too diplomatic to say?—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
But when the lens shifts toward the interior, articulating the woman’s private monologues, the attitude is softer and more generous, even when her words seem steeped in a sense of ongoing dread.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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