1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words
the poem is his expression of his grief upon the loss of his beloved wife
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2
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling
we could tell by the fans' expressions that the Chicago Cubs had lost again
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3
as in term
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field
the expression "John Doe" is used in legal proceedings to refer to a person whose actual name is either unknown or being withheld from the public
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4
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning
the popular expression "raining cats and dogs" is meaningless in other languages
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of expression
If every video is a starburst of expression, an extended TikTok session is fireworks in your face for hours.
—
Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
But those are expressions of our strength, not its foundation.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Jan. 2025
The next four weeks will be a playful time with opportunities for creative expression, fun activities with children, sports events and vacations.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2025
The details of Mann’s conduct here remain shocking — especially in a nation such as the United States, which was built atop the foundations of free expression.
—The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expression 
Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
But those are expressions of our strength, not its foundation.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Jan. 2025
The next four weeks will be a playful time with opportunities for creative expression, fun activities with children, sports events and vacations.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2025
The details of Mann’s conduct here remain shocking — especially in a nation such as the United States, which was built atop the foundations of free expression.
—The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
Noun
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Her voice is the center (a volcano, an oasis) and the music is simple, supportive and emotional.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
24 Jan. 2025
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While Stone and Parker provide the majority of voices, there’s an entire supporting cast of fierce talents.—
Sezin Keohler,
EW.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The exterior is crafted from high-quality pebble leather that offers a sleek and sophisticated look.—
Lauren Fischer,
People.com,
29 Jan. 2025
-
For a more in-depth look at our Celestron NexStar 4SE review.—
Jesse Emspak,
Space.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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That confrontational approach to Beijing is a consistent one for Ratcliffe, who served as Director of National Intelligence during President Donald Trump’s first term.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
TIME,
27 Jan. 2025
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Trump campaigned for a second term last year on tax cuts totaling $6 trillion over the next 10 years.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But the reason was strictly to choose joy, which is a phrase that’s been on my lock screen for the last two years, for personal life and work life.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
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This is, however, the phrase’s first appearance in a daily Times crossword.—
Deb Amlen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, the formulation packs green tea extract for soothing and antioxidant-rich rosehip oil for skin brightening.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
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Like most of Tower 28's roster, this lightweight concealer's formulation abides by the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance guidelines, including being free of fragrances and alcohol.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The other’s face continually changing, one’s own thoughts in constant flux.—
Karl Ove Knausgaard,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
-
State police said they were encountered by a man who had minor injuries to his face and head.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
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Punches were thrown in a midwest board meeting after an activist targeted a politician with harsh words.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Maze Runner actor sloughs off Roman’s moody persona, replacing that twin’s abrasive bluntness and struggle with idioms with the other’s quick wit and seductive charm.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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For instance, the grammar and translation method has been modernized to help students grasp complex concepts like abstract words, idioms and metaphors.—
Geoffrey Alphonso,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near expression
Cite this Entry
“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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