expression

noun

ik-ˈspre-shən How to pronounce expression (audio)
Definition of expressionnext
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 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 expression After initial testing, though data began to be collected by the observatory in 2005, IceCube was completed in 2011 as the ultimate expression of Halzen's theory. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026 The far-from-basic residence showcases courageous expression. — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 Let’s see if this expression is repeated on the Dolby Theatre stage. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026 The staffer refused to answer questions but listened, with a surprised expression, as the producer called the mission’s number and played the voicemail greeting in its entirety. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
  1. voice
  2. look
  3. term
  4. phrase
  5. formulation
  6. smile
  7. word
  8. idiom
Noun
  • The challenge is to identify the right voices and build an institution around them, rather than treating them as one-off projects.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • We are constantly connected, yet often isolated, each with our own voice while genuine dialogue can be hard to achieve.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of voice
Noun
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows grace both the city and river-view rooms, all replete with white oak fixtures and a stylish mid-century modern look.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Hotties and Megan’s friends, including WNBA star Angel Reese, loved her latest look, which even had a pink Chanel bag with a matching phone case.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Superhuman, the productivity company formerly known as Grammarly, agreed in June to acquire GPTZero for undisclosed terms.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • According to the order reviewed by The Times, Berry is prohibited from contacting Martinez, 60, and their son Maceo beyond the terms of her August 2023 split-custody agreement.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of term
Noun
  • As Kamphoff repeated these phrases during her race, her pace picked up.
    — Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Georgia fans responded with articles from 2003 showing that former head coach Mark Richt used the phrase early in his tenure, creating a good old fashioned social media standoff.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Venkatarayalu also said the company is exploring how to teach AI about chemistry, such as catalyst formulation.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • How atoms behave at the quantum level dictates the properties molecules and materials have, so understanding their wave functions is key, and Schrödinger’s formulation became widely used for this purpose.
    — Sophya Garashchuk, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of formulation
Noun
  • The front door locks at night, but there is always a staff member at the desk to buzz you in and greet you with a smile.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of smile
Noun
  • Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Bad word set in not just here but around the world, a 180 to the vibrant critical reaction and audience reception on One Battle After Another (94% certified fresh, A CinemaScore).
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • The first Velvet Underground album, the mid-period Beatles, Kinks, and Creedence Clearwater Revival records, with enough time, seem almost like different components to the same idiom.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Cinema is, after all, a language, and Belgian filmmakers come from a country built on the need to understand language as a bridge—between its regions, its people, and its idioms.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of idiom

Browse Nearby Words

expressing
expression
expressionist
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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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