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
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
These Yiddish phrases have gotten me through many challenging situations.
—Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Noun
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
These Yiddish phrases have gotten me through many challenging situations.
—Gilda Dangot-Simpkin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Nothing is inherently natural about self-interest, deregulation, or capital accumulation, even if Smith phrased it as such.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Even his February 18 post is phrased as a personal opinion, as if the decision belonged exclusively to Britain.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Buildings—a contemporary, fluid interpretation of the Cretan idiom by Pieris.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Like the idiom, their coffee shop hopes to bring surprising offerings to the coffee scene.—
Jenna Thompson
April 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Seeking offense, New York plans to designate Tommy Pham for assignment and has agreed to a major league contract with Austin Slater, a pair of people familiar with the move said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decisions were not announced.—
Ronald Blum,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Airport Authority has hired investment banks for the issuance and plans to price the multi‑tranche deal as early as Tuesday, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private matters.—
Janice Huang,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In a league too often sanitized by coachspeak, facial expressions might be our last great truth serum.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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But the publishing industry is not the only place where space for free expression is dwindling in Russia.—
Nathan Hodge,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Separation is particularly risky from a controlling partner, or perhaps more aptly worded, from someone who is losing control.—
Kathryn Spearman,
The Conversation,
20 Apr. 2026
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When Perkins was arrested in 2012, the law laying out the process was worded differently.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.—
Carter Braxton Worth,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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