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
Kendall Malinchock, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
From seemingly nowhere, the phrase became nearly obligatory in attacks on the Trump administration and in the press coverage.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 14 Feb. 2025
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Consider that the way the team phrased the QB dynamic after Wilson signed led Kenny Pickett to ask for a trade.
—Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phrase 
Noun
The phrase 'practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty' was coined in 1982 by magazine writer and editor Anne Herbert.
—Kendall Malinchock, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
From seemingly nowhere, the phrase became nearly obligatory in attacks on the Trump administration and in the press coverage.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
Ultimately, the 2024 election presents us with the opportunity to pick a definitive side in America's roiling cold civil war, which this column has often phrased as that between the forces of civilizational sanity and the forces of civilizational arson.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Consider that the way the team phrased the QB dynamic after Wilson signed led Kenny Pickett to ask for a trade.
—Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phrase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phrase
Noun
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Knowing the correct four-word idioms is a sign of education.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2025
-
Glover’s score — for rock band, piano and acoustic strings — evokes pop idioms while politely sidestepping direct quotation.—
Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim,
New York Times,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Royal Farms will be closed until further notice, the department said.—
Shaela Foster,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Groton police officers and firefighters from the Submarine Base Fire Department responded and confirmed that the roof was engulfed in flames, McCarthy said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When a shocking event takes place, many organizations try to send communications out quickly—and these messages tend to be rushed, emotionally driven and sometimes poorly worded or executed.—
Charlotte Sweeney OBE,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Wondering how to word invitations if the couple pays?—
Priya Rao,
Vogue,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Kid Rock abruptly cut a recent performance short after expressing frustration at the audience’s energy.—
Rania Aniftos,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2025
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These 8 kid-friendly hotels come pretty close The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.FamilyVacationist.com andTourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phrase. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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