ball of wax

noun phrase

Synonyms of ball of waxnext
: affair, concern
the whole ball of wax

Examples of ball of wax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hollywood’s a whole different ball of wax. — Terry Terrones, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025 Fascinating but inclusive – in a way, that seems to describe the whole ball of wax. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Journalism, however, is a different ball of wax. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026 This colony has seen more than its fair share of violence, accidental deaths, and even manslaughter, but a killing in cold blood during an otherwise pretty steady time is a whole other ball of wax. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball of wax

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball of wax was in 1832

Rhymes for ball of wax

See All Rhymes for ball of wax

Browse Nearby Words

ball of fire
ball of wax
ballogan
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Cite this Entry

“Ball of wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20of%20wax. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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