PARAPHRASES Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

paraphrases 1 of 2

noun

plural of paraphrase

as in translations

an instance of expressing something in different words your essays on human rights should have some original thought and not be simply a paraphrase of what's in the textbook

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

paraphrases

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of paraphrase

as in translates

to express something (as a text or statement) in different words could you paraphrase your diagnosis of my medical condition, using simpler language?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 paraphrases

Noun

Some of the suspects try to minimize their actions with euphemisms or paraphrases; others do so with explanations that the prosecutors find utterly implausible. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026

Verb

Blum paraphrases a passage from Lena Dunham’s memoir to describe Barker’s approach. — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026 Torrents then paraphrases participants’ responses and directs attention to specific details in the artwork. — Sofia Baltodano, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paraphrases

Noun

Labels throughout the classroom include both English and Spanish translations.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
These ancient scrolls are too fragile to unfurl, stymieing scholars’ attempts over the past few centuries to complete translations of the texts within.

— Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of translations

Verb

What that translates to for audiences is better intelligibility — words that land rather than wash — and a cleaner overall mix, because the engineer is no longer spending mental and technical energy fighting unwanted signal at the source.

— Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Exercise physiologist Rachelle Acitelli Reed says this translates to something that’s very, very hard to do four to six repetitions with.

— Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 6 July 2026

Definition of translates

Noun

Before Monday’s investigation summaries posted online, neither agency had posted anything publicly.

— David J. Neal July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Although the court livestreams the audio of oral arguments, that’s not the case for the summaries the justices give of their opinions.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of summaries

Browse Nearby Words

paraphrased

paraphrases

paraphrasing

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of paraphrases

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on paraphrases

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes