as in idiom
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 to say
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 phrase
Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
In 28 Years Later, Fienne’s Kelson explained to young Spike the meaning of the phrase memento mori.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Jan. 2026
Chara Podimata, Time, 21 Nov. 2025
Disney and the Shermans understood that the selection of the right actress was crucial, as that would determine, to some extent, how songs and dialogue would be phrased and presented.
—Todd James Pierce, Air Mail, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Authorities invoked the phrase in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations and in 2024 during university campus protests against Israel’s slaughter in Gaza.
—Verb
This suggests that the models’ internal beliefs are skewed based on how questions are phrased, or by their topics.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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There’s this Douglas Adams joke that in no language is there the idiom as pretty as an airport.—
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As a substitute, the board selected local architect William Pereira, who, never fully at ease with a modernist idiom, hewed to the middlebrow tastes and conservative politics of California’s philanthropic parvenus.—
Verb
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In Kyiv, a CNN reporter said that the attack began around midnight, starting with multiple drone strikes on residential buildings.—
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Due to cold temperatures, emergency medical services were contacted to evaluate her, authorities said.—
Noun
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The clip, which has amassed over 14 million views and nearly 3 million likes, shows the little girl, who was only 4 days old at the time, with a grumpy expression on her face as her brother leans in for the smooch.—
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When Noma does a pop-up, the kitchen team immerses itself in the local flora, fauna, and culinary cultures to create a tasting menu that speaks not just to the restaurant’s style but is also an expression of the place the restaurant is taking up residency in.—
Verb
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Although its questions framed the scandal with wording sympathetic to Republicans, the survey suggests the GOP sees an opening that could drag down Democrats.—
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The footer contains off wording about inbox preferences and a Scottsdale address not tied to Netflix.—
Verb
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Charles seemed upset by the message and expressed determination to not let his age get in the way of his career.—
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During the sentencing hearing, Sammartino expressed concerns about the lack of answers and accountability related to Francis’ absconding from house arrest in 2022.—
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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