code word

noun

Definition of code wordnext
as in dead metaphor

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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 code word When the MPKs didn’t know the Marines’ secret code word, the Marines slaughtered them and then shrugged and walked away from all their dead bodies to stay on mission (as in, kill more Marsies). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2026 To coordinate events in real time, the team used code words and hand signals. — Justin Ray, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 For our district, seniority has become a code word for stagnation. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 Sampson says her family now uses a code word. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for code word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for code word
  1. dead metaphor
  2. analogy
  3. simile
  4. euphemism
  5. metaphor
  6. circumlocution
Noun
  • The media are somewhat responsible, so apologies for beating a dead metaphor.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • This shift reminds us that dead metaphors aren’t always terminally dead.
    — Rob Nixon, Smithsonian, 23 Mar. 2018
Definition of dead metaphor
Noun
  • Asante draws a manufacturing analogy—with some exaggeration—arguing that previous nuclear power plants were built bespoke, akin to constructing an entire factory to produce a single car.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • To run with Carney’s analogy, middle powers prepare an excellent menu of innovations and talent, and then place it on the table for superpowers to devour.
    — Wal van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of analogy
Noun
  • Isla’s mother, Chloe Howell, said the tween loves to crack jokes at home and came up with the funny simile herself.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • An image may resonate with deeper meanings (that’s what great directors can bring about), but the compression and displacement that make the simile devastating on the page have no cinematic equivalent.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Definition of simile
Noun
  • This is nothing more than a euphemism for encouraging less citizen input and involvement in determining city policies and spending priorities.
    — Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sam Roberts, a longtime obituarist for the New York Times, wants to banish the euphemisms that attend death.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of euphemism
Noun
  • Conversations with chimpanzees and gorillas aren’t exactly rich in metaphor and critical analysis.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Only Ann Patchett could write such a pleasant, amiable novel about death, and only a horse could serve as her essential metaphor for peaceful salvation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of metaphor
Noun
  • But in terms of its actual content, the statement was pretty thin gruel, bristling with public relations-style circumlocution and vagueness.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Here, instead, she’s swayed by a dead Diana softly squeezing her hand and kindly hinting — the dead Diana is an ace at tactful circumlocution — that now is the time to show a mourning nation some emotion.
    — Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
Definition of circumlocution

Browse Nearby Words

codevelopers
code word
code words
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Cite this Entry

“Code word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/code%20word. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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