phlegm

noun

ˈflem How to pronounce phlegm (audio)
Definition of phlegmnext
as in numbness
a lack of emotion or emotional expressiveness a man of remarkable phlegm, never showing enthusiasm nor displeasure

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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 phlegm The phlegm is then examined under a microscope for the telltale tuberculosis bacteria. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Apr. 2026 And if salt and water start to move, so, too, does the phlegm that has been sitting dehydrated in the lungs of CF patients. — Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 Population surveys also link vaping to chronic cough, phlegm, bronchitis, shortness of breath, asthma flares and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—or COPD. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026 The second is having either 10 or more pack years of smoking, or symptoms of cough, phlegm and trouble breathing. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phlegm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phlegm
  1. numbness
  2. emptiness
  3. coldness
  4. apathy
Noun
  • However, in July 2024, her symptoms started getting worse as the then-20-year-old started experiencing numbness on the left side of her body and vision problems.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In a rare occurrence, Bardot’s 80-minute AI drama that, according to the synopsis, examines contemporary alienation and numbness in today’s world of hyper-connectivity, is set for a spring 2027 release across 20 cities in Turkey via Baska Sinema.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of numbness
Noun
  • In all of the sketchbook entries reproduced here, Ross seems to offer a bridge between the representation of emptiness and the lived sensation of it.
    — Ryan Sullivan, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The suburbs promise space yet deliver emptiness, critics charge.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of emptiness
Noun
  • The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The danger occurs if that ruthlessness veers into institutional coldness.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of coldness
Noun
  • Stearns argues that standing with the Jewish state is a moral and biblical duty, warning that growing global apathy and rising antisemitism threaten both Israel's survival and foundational Judeo-Christian values.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Fitness classes can also provide routine, accountability and social interaction, potentially helping counter the isolation and apathy some people with Parkinson’s experience, Fleisher said.
    — Jennifer Fields, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of apathy

Browse Nearby Words

phishers
phlegm
phlegmatic
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on phlegm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phlegm

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