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 Clancy appeared upset during the sidebar but returned to the defense table with a stoic expression. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 This space is truly a breeding ground for pure creativity and expression. Shelley Holcomb, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Their design vernaculars seemed to have always been in conversation, with their understanding of sensuality existing in parallel spaces, even if their expression of it was different. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 The format brings together offline connection, creative expression, hands-on activity, community and screen-light leisure. Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
Noun
  • The publication grew under her leadership, and encompassed a more diverse range of voices, featuring the likes of Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, and Alice Walker.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The social media company on Thursday announced several new comment features that will allow people to leave voice messages, vote in polls and share multiple photos under videos.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.
    Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Jennifer Aniston has worn a nearly identical look, and Anne Hathaway wore the same in pinstripes.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Simply put, acknowledging the reality—even if the administration won’t state it in these terms—of avoiding a further, major military campaign as the conflict drags on.
    Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Instead of a username and password, the Vault uses a unique 12-word recovery phrase.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The scholar Lauren Berlant coined the phrase cruel optimism to describe how hope, including hope placed in a political movement, can stand in the way of a person’s own flourishing.
    Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At the center is a softer formulation of the supercritical foam, surrounded by a more firm perimeter to create a plate-like effect along with support and durability.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That mix of results and sensitivity-friendly formulation is a signature of the K beauty category as a whole.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Naomi Scott gives one of the best performances of 2024 as a pop star who becomes attached to the smile demon, sending her down a terrifying roller coaster to one of the most memorable horror-movie endings in years.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Smile 2 manages to be a fun continuation of the silly premise established by its 2022 predecessor, proving that the concept of a creepy smile demon can be taken in creative new directions.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The applause barely stopped, and the crowd sang along to every word as well as danced in their seats throughout the entire two-and-a-half-hour show.
    Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Her words are not of gratitude but resentment, bile and narcissism.
    Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In the more compressed idiom of three-act-movie storytelling, this chapter would represent the end of act two, when all hope appears lost.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season.
    Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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