word-for-word

1 of 2

adjective

ˈwərd-fər-ˈwərd How to pronounce word-for-word (audio)
Synonyms of word-for-wordnext
: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2

adverb

: in the exact words : verbatim

Synonyms of word-for-word

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Adverb

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Examples of word-for-word in a Sentence

Adverb you don't have to record the professor's comments word for word in your notes
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.
Adjective
Bernard, the quiet seventh-round pick from Nigeria, started singing word-for-word. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Minutes for each meeting soon were published after a month and word-for-word transcripts after five years. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026
Adverb
Not a word for word quote, so don’t quote Margaret. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 The song relays, word for word, a story by his three-year-old daughter about a girl who won’t stop wiggling. — John Kenney, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for word-for-word

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-for-word was in the 15th century

Rhymes for word-for-word

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Browse Nearby Words

word-formation
word-for-word
word for word
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Cite this Entry

“Word-for-word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-for-word. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

word-for-word

1 of 2 adjective
: being in or following the exact words : verbatim
a word-for-word translation

word for word

2 of 2 adverb
: in the exact words : verbatim
repeated the message word for word
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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