in a word

phrase

Synonyms of in a wordnext
: very briefly
My answer, in a word, is no.

Examples of in a word in a Sentence

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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.
The trade struck many fans as further evidence that baseball has become, in a word, unfair – a case of the rich get richer. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in a word was in 1573

Rhymes for in a word

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Browse Nearby Words

in a wink
in a word
in a world of one's own
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Cite this Entry

“In a word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20a%20word. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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