expression
Americannoun
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the act of expressing or setting forth in words.
the free expression of political opinions.
- Synonyms:
- statement, assertion, declaration, utterance
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a particular word, phrase, or form of words.
old-fashioned expressions.
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the manner or form in which a thing is expressed in words; wording; phrasing.
delicacy of expression.
- Synonyms:
- phraseology, diction, language
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the power of expressing in words.
joy beyond expression.
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indication of feeling, spirit, character, etc., as on the face, in the voice, or in artistic execution.
the lyric expression embodied in his poetry.
- Synonyms:
- sign, manifestation
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a look or intonation expressing personal reaction, feeling, etc..
a shocked expression.
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the quality or power of expressing an attitude, emotion, etc..
a face that lacks expression; to read with expression.
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the act of expressing or representing, as by symbols.
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Mathematics. a symbol or a combination of symbols representing a value, relation, or the like.
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Linguistics. the stylistic characteristics of an utterance (meaning ).
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Linguistics. the system of verbal utterances specific to a language (content ).
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the act of expressing or pressing out.
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Computers. a combination of variables, constants, and functions linked by operation symbols and any required punctuation that describe a rule for calculating a value.
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Genetics.
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the action of a gene in the production of a protein or a phenotype.
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noun
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the act or an instance of transforming ideas into words
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a manifestation of an emotion, feeling, etc, without words
tears are an expression of grief
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communication of emotion through music, painting, etc
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a look on the face that indicates mood or emotion
a joyful expression
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the choice of words, phrases, syntax, intonation, etc, in communicating
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a particular phrase used conventionally to express something
a dialect expression
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the act or process of forcing or squeezing out a liquid
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maths a variable, function, or some combination of constants, variables, or functions
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genetics the effect of a particular gene on the phenotype
Related Words
See phrase.
Other Word Forms
- expressional adjective
- expressionless adjective
- expressionlessly adverb
- preexpression noun
- reexpression noun
- superexpression noun
Etymology
Origin of expression
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin expressiōn- (stem of expressiō ) “a pressing out.” See express, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It protects free expression online and lets smaller companies compete with Big Tech.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
"By specifically disrupting folding dynamics, we were able to identify the aspects of spatial genome organization that contribute to gene regulation and expression."
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026
In other words, Chiles may be engaged in “expression,” but that expression is a medical treatment that Colorado has every right to regulate.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
But critics say that these rules stifle freedom of expression and civil activism.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
“Yes?” he said, holding the rag still, and looking through the door screen with a blank expression.
From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
