A melodic phrase is a sequence of musical notes or a series of musical pitches that sound pleasing to the ear. Some synonyms for the word "melodic phrase" include a musical line, a tune, a motif, a melody, a riff, a hook, a theme, a strain, or a passage. Each of these synonyms can be used interchangeably depending on the context and the style of music being played. Essentially, they all describe the same thing, a sequence of notes that make up a catchy musical element that can be easily recognized by the listener. Whether you're a music enthusiast or not, you can pick up on a melodic phrase and hum it for days afterward.