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
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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
James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
And there was writing and the composition and his phrasing and singing of them, even his piano playing, including his almost gospel-like playing in the early records.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 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
To say America’s landscape was littered in the 1970s is not merely poetic phrasing.
—James Salzman, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026
And there was writing and the composition and his phrasing and singing of them, even his piano playing, including his almost gospel-like playing in the early records.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 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
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Venevision, which like most private networks dropped coverage critical of the government in recent years, has reopened its airwaves to anti-government voices, covering opposition leader María Corina Machado's every move in Washington since Maduro's capture.—
EGINA GARCIA CANO,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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This veteran droid is an even more Disneyfied version of VINCENT, who talks — for some reason — with the voice of legendary screen cowboy Slim Pickens.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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For writers like me—less stylistically steady, less given to a consistency of diction and syntax—there’s still a through-line.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In an appearance on Fox News, the Trump-supporting singer bashed the choice of Bunny, saying the performance was an insult to the MAGA movement.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Piagentini dismissed those factors as beside the point, saying judges should trust juries’ sentencing decisions and that Davis’ ruling disrespected the jury process.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Founded in Norway by Gine Margrethe, Bob Beauté is a minimalist beauty brand grounded in high quality, multifunctional formulations.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Midlife women should speak with their doctors about their personal risk when taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), since certain formulations can increase clotting risk.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite speaking different languages, Toro Sepulveda and Henry became close friends, both said.—
Nuria Martinez-Keel,
Oklahoma Voice,
10 Feb. 2026
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The new program at Butler is one of just five Deaf education programs in the country with a focus on spoken language, according to the program’s website.—
Claire Rafford,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Emma Basch, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, agrees, expressing concern that tying self-care to allowance dilutes the concept and does not help kids internalize that caring for themselves is not a job they will ever be paid for, but a way of showing themselves respect and care.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
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Three members of the State Board of Education are expressing their concerns about recent student ICE walkouts and suggesting that school funding be tied to compliance with safety and security protocols.—
Giles Hudson,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This mindset shift isn’t just a matter of wording.—
Ashley Herd,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
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But, according to an audit conducted by the school district office of Chief Auditor Dave Rhodes, the wording of the 2022 referendum failed to specify which non-teaching staff would see the benefits.—
Natalie La Roche Pietri,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At Davos, Dimon addressed geopolitical risk and America’s role in the world without attacking individuals, while still articulating a worldview grounded in alliances, stability, and democratic resilience.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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One of Zelnick’s biggest takeaways after coaching thousands of professionals over four decades is that people are often afraid of articulating their goals.—
Susan Caminiti,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrasing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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