1
: a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction
2
a
: a brief expression
especially
: catchphrase
b
: word
3
: a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4
: a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function
an adverbial phrase
5
: a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern
phrased; phrasing
1
a
: to express in words or in appropriate or telling terms
b
: to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2
: to divide into melodic phrases
Synonyms
Examples of phrase in a Sentence
Noun
Answer the questions in complete sentences, not phrases.
She used the phrase “I strongly believe” too many times in her speech.
Underline the key words or phrases in the paragraph.
To borrow a phrase from my mother, I spend too much time “watching the boob tube” and not enough time outside.
Verb
He phrased his version of the story in a way that made him look good.
The question was awkwardly phrased.
The singer phrased the music beautifully.
Recent Examples on the Web
Clayton Kincade, NPR, 20 June 2024
To attempt to read and use languages other than one’s own, even if only a few phrases, is a mark of respect for the otherness of other people.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 19 June 2024
Sara Pezzoni, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2024
Jeopardy! is, of course, the iconic quiz competition show that reverses the traditional question-and-answer format by giving general clues to contestants, who then phrase their answer in the form of a question.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for phrase 
Noun
With this phrase, Trump wants to convince voters that a second presidential term would usher in a level of social and economic prosperity that America has never seen.
—Clayton Kincade, NPR, 20 June 2024
To attempt to read and use languages other than one’s own, even if only a few phrases, is a mark of respect for the otherness of other people.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 19 June 2024
Verb
Of particular note within these articles are the datelines, which were phrased in such a way as to not disclose confidential location information to the enemy.
—Sara Pezzoni, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2024
Jeopardy! is, of course, the iconic quiz competition show that reverses the traditional question-and-answer format by giving general clues to contestants, who then phrase their answer in the form of a question.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for phrase
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phrase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrase. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phrase
1 of 2 noun1
: a brief expression
especially
: one commonly used
2
: a small unit of a musical passage usually several measures long
3
: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not form a complete sentence
"out the door" in "they ran out the door" is a phrase
phrasal
adjective
ˈfrā-zəl
phrasally
adverb
-zə-lē
phrase
2 of 2 verb
phrased; phrasing
1
: to express in words
2
: to divide into musical phrases
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