as in proverb
a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto. The Scout motto is "Be prepared."
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 motto
The state flag is essentially a white background with just the state seal — a bald eagle with the state motto in its mouth standing on a rock bearing the year of the state’s incorporation, 1818, and the seal’s creation, 1868.
—
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
The vast banners unfurled by Paris Saint-Germain’s ultras just before kick-off, in the midst of pyrotechnics and a laser show, were inspired by the city’s motto.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
His motto, ‘Dream, Rise, Ignite,’ has become my guiding force, and the mission to complete this cinematic journey has been my dedication ever since.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Now, more than just the program's motto faces possible revisions.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motto 
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
The vast banners unfurled by Paris Saint-Germain’s ultras just before kick-off, in the midst of pyrotechnics and a laser show, were inspired by the city’s motto.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
His motto, ‘Dream, Rise, Ignite,’ has become my guiding force, and the mission to complete this cinematic journey has been my dedication ever since.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Now, more than just the program's motto faces possible revisions.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motto
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
-
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
-
At the Superdome, the final word was replaced with a man yelping.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
-
His emails are two words long, to the point and nothing extra.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Since the Civil War, this axiom has been avoided only a handful of times.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
-
The hope of deriving one set of rules, or axioms, to govern all mathematical truths was fatally undermined.—
Theodore McDarrah,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But the abrupt and total shutdown of USAID—in defiance of multiple federal laws through which it was codified and funded—reveals a simple truth: The Department of Government Efficiency is not actually about achieving efficiency.—
Brian Schatz,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Secrets bob to the surface like drowning victims from the deep until nobody — not even the reader — can easily separate the terrible truth from even more terrible fictions.—
M.L. Rio,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motto. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share