symphony

noun

ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
Definition of symphonynext
1
as in orchestration
a balanced, pleasing, or suitable arrangement of parts the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in orchestra
a usually large group of musicians playing together a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 symphony Xi Jinping’s description of AI development as a symphony, rather than a solo performance, sounds suspiciously like soft-power language, recasting Beijing as the inclusive convenor of countries that Western institutions have often neglected. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 With the symphony’s blessing, Draiblate began working as a commercial airline pilot in November 2022. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 But we writers of historical fiction should never forget, in our focus on the vast sweep of time and change, that the symphony itself is composed of lots of little songs. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 More than two dozen performers subsequently canceled appearances at the center, including composer Philip Glass, who had been scheduled to premiere a new symphony. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for symphony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symphony
  1. orchestration
  2. orchestra
  3. symmetry
  4. philharmonic
  5. harmony
  6. proportion
  7. balance
Noun
  • Infrastructure companies are developing orchestration and governance layers.
    — Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Larger reasoning models can handle planning and orchestration, while smaller models take care of execution.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of orchestration
Noun
  • The cello is an instrument most often associated with concert halls, orchestras and chamber music.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The catch is, the only time this program fits into your child’s schedule is during their advanced orchestra rehearsal or a figure drawing class that your child adores.
    — Parents, Parents, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of orchestra
Noun
  • As in her spouse Jia’s features, Zhao Tao is the still point in a turning, globalized world, with all its disconnections and surprising symmetries.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Interestingly, though, pentagonal arrangements of atoms can fill space in almost-but-never-quite-repeating patterns with fivefold symmetry, forming materials called quasicrystals.
    — Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of symmetry
Noun
  • It will be conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, who’s coming on as the philharmonic’s music and artistic director.
    — Stacey Vanek Smith, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But the orchestra couldn’t afford to continue playing there, and the philharmonic moved to cheaper accommodations at nearby First Baptist Church and ultimately the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
    — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 2026
Definition of philharmonic
Noun
  • By contrast, collectivist societies focus more on social harmony and prioritise the group over individual goals, with decisions made based on what is best for the wider community.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • While there was a period of harmony between the two coasts, that imploded after Shakur was ambushed at a Times Square recording studio in November 1994.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmony
Noun
  • Previously, third-tier sides could spend 60 per cent of relevant turnover, alongside varying proportions of equity injected by owners, with the latter included in SCMP calculations in a staggered manner.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This was a tiny group whose political influence stood out of all proportion to the size of their cohort—but which rose instead in direct relation to the size of their wealth.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of proportion
Noun
  • Temporary federal aid, strong capital-gains years or accounting maneuvers can swell the cash balance.
    — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The shop retained and restored the frame, 3D scanned it, and crafted a specialty battery to fit, keeping weight and balance in mind.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance

Phrases Containing symphony

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symphonists
symphony
symphony orchestra
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Cite this Entry

“Symphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symphony. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on symphony

Nglish: Translation of symphony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphony

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