term 1 of 2

noun

ˈtərm How to pronounce term (audio)
Definition of termnext
1
as in tenure
a fixed period of time during which a person holds a job or position elected for a two-year term as mayor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in word
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field what's the term for the odd feeling that you've experienced an event before?

Synonyms & Similar Words

term

2 of 2

verb

as in to name
to give a name to the armed forces began a rescue mission termed Operation In and Out

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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 term
Noun
The term—coined by Kathryn Jezer-Morton in her now viral story—might sound daunting, but the basic idea is simple. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026 The president also faces low approval ratings -- though a June Quinnipiac poll found them up from the lowest of his second term. — Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Verb
The winner will replace Assemblymember Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, who is termed out. — Linh Tat, Daily News, 27 June 2026 On the left, an approach that Neem terms post-American has taken root, pushing the arguments of the 1970s in an ever more emphatic direction. — Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for term
Recent Examples of Synonyms for term
  1. tenure
  2. word
  3. name
  4. stint
  5. phrase
  6. call
  7. expression
  8. title
Noun
  • The event will remain part of a weeklong celebration honoring Dudamel’s tenure with the orchestra.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 7 July 2026
  • Early on in his tenure, Vaccarello was somewhat of an underdog.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of tenure
Noun
  • When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • During Thursday evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting, officials unanimously, and with no additional discussion, approved Johnston’s exit agreement and named Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze as his replacement for the rest of the year.
    — Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Knoebels was named America’s best amusement and water park for 2026 in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, which is based on reviews.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • Ever since returning in 2023 to take the helm of the brand, following stints as CEO of Fendi and Christian Dior Couture, Beccari has dreamed of staging another classic car rally.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Though the quantity seems excessive, Jefferson likely couldn’t easily access such goods at his primary residence of Monticello, and McClure said his stint in Philadelphia offered an opportunity to stock up for his wife.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of stint
Noun
  • His Raising Cane’s work, titled Cane’s Anthem, continues the Pop-lite aesthetic, utilizing phrases and images that appear to be culled from the mass media.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026
  • Anyway, this phrase survived my query letter, made it into my agent’s submission letter to editors, and ended up in my editor’s copy on the back of the book.
    — Sarah Schulman, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Definition of phrase
Verb
  • The company, which calls itself the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world, also added chicken nuggets to its menu on Thursday, July 2.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of call
Noun
  • Unlike traditional sports chants, Jama blends music, rhythm and movement into an expression of community that exists well beyond the soccer field.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • While much of the source material comes from elsewhere, the cumulative mood is extremely personal to an artist who has spent his life helping the greats find true expression.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of expression
Verb
  • In support of the album, Swift planned to embark on a worldwide festival titled Lover Fest in 2020, however, it was officially canceled in February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Despite being titled Housewives, the series was not originally produced by Bravo.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of title

Browse Nearby Words

tergiversation
term
termagant
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Cite this Entry

“Term.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/term. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on term

Nglish: Translation of term for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about term

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