1
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
Mom's favorite byword is "You can get more flies with honey than with vinegar"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example
nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing
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 byword
Leverkusen, the club that used to be a byword for failure, enjoy winning too much to stop now.
—
Rafa Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024
By now, barefoot luxury has become a byword for laidback resort life of a certain level, but never has the concept been more faithfully embodied than at Alphonse Island.
—Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Republican politicians from Ron DeSantis to President-elect Donald Trump have used San Francisco as a byword for Democratic incompetence on crime and disorder.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
But that agreement, once synonymous with success, is now a byword for disappointment.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for byword 
Rafa Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024
By now, barefoot luxury has become a byword for laidback resort life of a certain level, but never has the concept been more faithfully embodied than at Alphonse Island.
—Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Republican politicians from Ron DeSantis to President-elect Donald Trump have used San Francisco as a byword for Democratic incompetence on crime and disorder.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
But that agreement, once synonymous with success, is now a byword for disappointment.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for byword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byword
Noun
-
The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
-
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
-
Directing over 100 feature film, video and television productions in the last 35 years, Miike is known for cult classics like Audition (2000), Ichi the Killer (2001) and 13 Assassins (2011).—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2025
-
The woody note started making its way into fragrances shortly thereafter, and in 2006, this cult classic was born.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
His emails are two words long, to the point and nothing extra.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
10 Feb. 2025
-
At the Superdome, the final word was replaced with a man yelping.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Related Story In general, Becker said consumers’ intrigue in crystals, manifestation and natural healing is coming through in fashion.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Her violent outbursts may have been manifestations of an undiagnosed mental illness, which Kimberly believes was partly the result of a turbulent relationship with her own mother.—
Lawrence Wright,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
-
As the old saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sours.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
His work is grounded in a three-layer model developed during his time at C4ADS: data management, analysis, and requirements.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Compared to the typical development path of a Canadian goalie, who plays major junior hockey in the CHL, Oettinger can see how the American model might allow for more growth.—
Jesse Granger,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And for at least the past five years, the state's population has been following this motto, getting bigger and bigger.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
-
That could very well be the motto of Burgess’s next character as well.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
So, for that matter, is the recognizable Tim Horton’s Donut Shop sign written out in Farsi — a visual joke that doubles as the apotheosis of Rankin’s cross-cultural exchange program.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
14 Feb. 2025
-
This can be seen in its apotheosis on buildings such as 770 and 778 Park Avenue, both designed in early 1929.—
David Netto,
Curbed,
17 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near byword
Cite this Entry
“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byword. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share