as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adage
This sage adage, credited to Yogi Berra, pinpoints the importance of planning.
—
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
That adage applies indoors as well as out, which is where an experimental new material comes in.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025
There have been countless stories of the raging battles fought by firefighters and the damage that has been wrought, but as the adage goes, pictures really tell the story in a way words often can’t.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
In our era of rapid technological advancement, this adage holds even greater relevance.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adage 
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
That adage applies indoors as well as out, which is where an experimental new material comes in.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025
There have been countless stories of the raging battles fought by firefighters and the damage that has been wrought, but as the adage goes, pictures really tell the story in a way words often can’t.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
In our era of rapid technological advancement, this adage holds even greater relevance.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage
Noun
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The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
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But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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As the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
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As the old saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sours.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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At the Superdome, the final word was replaced with a man yelping.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
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His emails are two words long, to the point and nothing extra.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2025
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As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near adage
Cite this Entry
“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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