vernacular 1 of 2

adjective

vər-ˈna-kyə-lər How to pronounce vernacular (audio)
Definition of vernacularnext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing writes essays in a very easy-to-read, vernacular style

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

vernacular

2 of 2

noun

1
as in idiom

Related Words
2
as in binomial

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vernacular
Adjective
Paramount’s core belief is that brand extensions — including, in the current vernacular, immersive experiences such as restaurants — can’t be exploitative. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 His Bernstein had visceral, vernacular punch; his Verdi was ardent and spry; his Britten had the right textural grit; his Mozart unfurled with complicated grace. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
Industry vernacular distinguishes the conventional mortgage as qualified mortgage, or QM. — Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 Among other things, the 1960s church meetings revolutionized the Catholic Church’s relations with other Christians, Jews and people of other faiths, and allowed Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular rather than Latin. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vernacular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vernacular
  1. colloquial
  2. idiom
  3. binomial
  4. colloquialism
  5. misnomer
  6. parlance
  7. brand name
  8. regionalism
Adjective
  • Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Definition of colloquial
Noun
  • On the one hand, the translation serves as a source for the idioms of nineteenth-century English; on the other, as evidence of the ideas that the translator held about a Colombian woman writer.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Out of love for different sound systems, different writing systems, different grammars, different sets of concepts, different idioms, different ways of seeing the world.
    — Douglas Hofstadter, Time, 30 June 2026
Definition of idiom
Noun
  • Whatever its origin story, it might be argued that as the shortest binomial composed entirely of vowels, Ia io gives scientists reason enough to shout hurrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • She is credited with naming and cataloging hundreds of native plants in the Hudson River Valley using Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus’ then-new binomial system of botanical nomenclature.
    — Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024
Definition of binomial
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Noun
  • The name was a misnomer, as the species, known scientifically as Rubus armeniacus, is actually native to Armenia and northern Iran.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome was always a misnomer.
    — Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
Definition of misnomer
Noun
  • The look that stuck with us from his spring 2026 menswear collection, his final for the house, was this brown field jacket—officially, in brand parlance, a hemp blouson.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • James thrived as a slot cornerback or a nickelback (depending on the parlance), acting as an additional run defender or pass rusher, depending on the situation.
    — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
Definition of parlance
Noun
  • Use Kaolin Clay Kaolin clay, often sold under the brand name Surround WP, is used by gardeners to protect fruit trees and other plants from pest pressure and intense sun.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
  • The products are white, and the brand name is printed on most units' control covers, with the model number located on the front edge of the units' base plate via a white sticker, according to the recall report.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of brand name
Noun
  • The concept of critical regionalism may seem like a poor fit for New York, that proud engine of globalism, crucible of efficiency, and maximizer of revenue.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Just don’t let the deniers know that regionalism and sustainability are essentially one and the same.
    — Richard Olsen, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of regionalism

Browse Nearby Words

vermin
vernacular
vernacularism
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Cite this Entry

“Vernacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vernacular. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vernacular

Nglish: Translation of vernacular for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vernacular

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