as in licks
the smallest amount or part imaginable
you're not making a syllable of sense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 syllables
For the monks or clerics, it is presented as a material substance, carried like a sack of gold on the demon’s back; the metaphors used are monetary or economic, as though the monks owe ordered syllables to God instead of the monetary tithe their vows of poverty render unnecessary.
—
JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
Their brains had a smaller N1 response when inner and outer syllables matched (the inner SIS effect).
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Such a marvelous collection of syllables.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
So far, the researchers have transcribed about 50 hours of barks into syllables.
—Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
The Los Angeles Master Chorale uttered nonverbal syllables, yet the message was somehow clear.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The name can be pronounced with two syllables (/ˈkwɑːwɑːr/) or three (/ˈkwɑːoʊ(w)ɑːr/).
—Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Pärt often lets the number of syllables in a word, the length of a phrase or verse, and the sound of a language shape his formulas.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
Its name pulls from the first syllables of each founder’s first name, while its design language centers on sleek minimalism and modern sensuality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for syllables
Noun
-
Sexy guitar licks and a groovy rhythm couple together to create a fiery, catchy tune.—
-
While Kendrick and Drake were putting their pens to their limits, Metro fired up some software and got his licks in.—
Noun
-
Cowboy and cowgirl hoots and hollers complement the rumbling of the massive animals’ hooves as they’re rounded up into the corrals.—
-
There are hoots and hollers from raucous tourists on Bourbon Street, for example.—
Noun
-
Beyond the gong, other bits of prop comedy give them cover to dive into more controversial topics.—
-
The live show — featuring a famed blue-skinned, apparently bald and mostly silent trio — will feature classic Blue Man Group routines plus new bits that will be exclusive to the Orlando production.—
Noun
-
Nas is no stranger to flex raps, but his blockchain bars have the hollow ring of a timeshare sales pitch.—
-
And yet, Doja continuously taps the well while adapting it to her own aesthetic, moving fluidly between sweet harmonies and nimble raps in classic Doja form.—
Cite this Entry
“Syllables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/syllables. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share