colloquial 1 of 2

adjective

kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl How to pronounce colloquial (audio)
Definition of colloquialnext
1
as in vernacular
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing the new coworker's rudeness soon began—to use a colloquial expression—to rub me the wrong way

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conversational
having the style and content of everyday conversation a colloquial essay on what makes a marriage successful

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

colloquial

2 of 2

noun

as in colloquialism

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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 colloquial
Adjective
The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Tabloid Journalism and Audiences Tabloid newspapers not only differ in size from broadsheet newspapers but in the way articles are written; tabloid articles are typically written in a colloquial and sensational style. — Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026 The women’s game’s limited coverage meant his other honours with Umea — reaching two more UEFA Cup finals and five domestic trophies — were appreciated on a more colloquial level. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 May 2026 The phrase originated as a colloquial term and was used as early as 2008, according to Oxford University, but rose in popularity in 2014 after New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched a poster campaign targeting manspreading. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for colloquial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colloquial
  1. vernacular
  2. conversational
  3. colloquialism
  4. informal
  5. familiar
  6. idiom
  7. casual
  8. parlance
Adjective
  • And yet Webster’s dictionary, and his earlier attempts at spelling reform, expressed a radical desire to forge an entirely new tongue based in the vernacular genius of the aspiring American people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Because the alcohol drives the storytellers toward vernacular expression, these pieces can seem more alive and authentic, more relatable, than big-budget, big-screen productions.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • The deployment introduced an agent layer that could access the underlying systems, prepare inputs for the appropriate optimization approach, interpret outputs in plain language and surface recommendations through conversational and web interfaces.
    — Valentyn Kropov, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Some startups — like HereAfter AI, Storyfile, and Eternos — offer services like video avatars and conversational AI trained on a deceased person’s data.
    — Ella Chakarian, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2026
Definition of conversational
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Adjective
  • Authorities are also investigating the death of a Malawian man after he was allegedly killed by a mob at an informal settlement in the city of Pietermaritzburg, near Durban.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • It is joined by an adjoining family room and informal dining area.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
    — Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of familiar
Noun
  • On the one hand, the translation serves as a source for the idioms of nineteenth-century English; on the other, as evidence of the ideas that the translator held about a Colombian woman writer.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Out of love for different sound systems, different writing systems, different grammars, different sets of concepts, different idioms, different ways of seeing the world.
    — Douglas Hofstadter, Time, 30 June 2026
Definition of idiom
Adjective
  • On casual occasions, this T-shirt dress is an easy way to be presentable—and comfortable.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Plus, the simple silhouette easily transitions from daytime adventures to casual dinners.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of casual
Noun
  • The look that stuck with us from his spring 2026 menswear collection, his final for the house, was this brown field jacket—officially, in brand parlance, a hemp blouson.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • James thrived as a slot cornerback or a nickelback (depending on the parlance), acting as an additional run defender or pass rusher, depending on the situation.
    — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
Definition of parlance

Browse Nearby Words

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colloquial
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Cite this Entry

“Colloquial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colloquial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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