as in saying
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
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 proverb
Each pair of shoes has a script with a Swahili proverb or saying.
—
Erinne Magee, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024
And this proverb reminds me of hip-hop, and this proverb reminds me, in particular, of Tribe because Tribe was born out of friendship.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
This old Iranian proverb does not actually warn people against travel to Gilan, Iran’s beautiful, green, and lush Caspian province, though today that meaning may be more apt.
—Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2020
Indeed, according to one version of the political proverb attributed to Pyotr Stolypin, the pre-revolutionary prime minister of the Russian Empire, in a year, everything in the country changes; in a century, nothing changes.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 1 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for proverb 
Erinne Magee, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024
And this proverb reminds me of hip-hop, and this proverb reminds me, in particular, of Tribe because Tribe was born out of friendship.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
This old Iranian proverb does not actually warn people against travel to Gilan, Iran’s beautiful, green, and lush Caspian province, though today that meaning may be more apt.
—Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2020
Indeed, according to one version of the political proverb attributed to Pyotr Stolypin, the pre-revolutionary prime minister of the Russian Empire, in a year, everything in the country changes; in a century, nothing changes.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 1 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for proverb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverb
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 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
-
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
-
That old adage, ‘Retire without debt,’ may be going the way of the electric typewriter and rotary phone.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
-
But as the adage goes, nothing in life comes for free.—
Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov,
Forbes,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The perfect vague yet totally true aphorism to throw at any put-down.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
31 Jan. 2025
-
The marketing taglines that bear the same force and resonance as elders’ aphorisms: 1010 WINS, American Express, Calgon.—
Alexandra Jacobs,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 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
Articles Related to proverb
Thesaurus Entries Near proverb
Cite this Entry
“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share