paraphrase 1 of 2

Definition of paraphrasenext
as in translation
an instance of expressing something in different words your essays on human rights should have some original thought and not be simply a paraphrase of what's in the textbook

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paraphrase

2 of 2

verb

as in to translate
to express something (as a text or statement) in different words could you paraphrase your diagnosis of my medical condition, using simpler language?

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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 paraphrase
Noun
So here’s a paraphrase that seems apt today: Harvard delenda est. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2025 To paraphrase noted philosopher Buddy The Elf: Lauren … here? Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
To paraphrase Olson, what is acquired by reading, listening to, watching Ed Sanders is a curriculum of the soul and so much more. Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026 Both were, to paraphrase nominee and Sinners star Delroy Lindo, a living, breathing world of their own in an often bleak world. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paraphrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paraphrase
Noun
  • How family history plays a part in language and translation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The translation of the part of the caption written in Korean also indicated that there has been a lot of interest in the new store, along with demands to know exactly when the store would be opening.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nearly all the instructions were relayed electronically from the director’s cave and translated by a bilingual assistant director.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His tough blocking is his strongest attribute, and his background as a walk-on linebacker at Wisconsin should translate well to special teams.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • They are drawn in by the possibility of an exciting pull—similar to how a bettor might be enticed by a long-shot parlay translating to big winnings.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Valeria was able to do any translating, and with help from furniture donated by neighbors the Haskells converted their three-bedroom house into a five-bedroom house to accommodate the Zarutskas along with themselves, Valeria’s adult daughter, and three dogs.
    Julia Coin April 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That makes Dispatch useful for reviewing different proposals, comparing contracts, or summarizing research.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Here’s the five-day forecast for Broward and Palm Beach counties, summarized by AI based on information from the National Weather Service.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Paraphrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paraphrase. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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