motto

noun

Definition of mottonext
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."

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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 In June 1999, Manze told Variety the motto sprang from a promo group meeting. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 July 2026 And in the Granite State, the first part of that motto almost always wins. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2026 This is where Barca’s famous mes que un club (more than a club) motto comes in, coined by former club president Narcis de Carreras during his 1968 inauguration speech. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The motto described something that already existed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motto
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. maxim
  5. axiom
  6. truth
Noun
  • There’s a football proverb so old that, well, good luck attempting to find its original source.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • Teachers of science, mathematics and English were expected to include Quranic verses, sayings and traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad or other religious messages in their lessons.
    — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Personalize the labels with sweet sayings, their initials, or even anniversary dates to commemorate the occasion.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Kilolani is the Hawaiian word for the stargazers, those who were inspired by the heavens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Generations of Atlantans filled the North Avenue Presbyterian Church today to say farewell to Celestine Sibley, a woman whose words had moved them for more than half a century.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • So rather than roll those binary axioms up into a conclusion, there is an easier way to judge the scale of the future of AI, even if not its shape.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The Mexican government’s 2022 truth commission concluded that the cartel, Guerreros Unidos, and government authorities had been involved.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Whatever the terminology, truth and proof in today's fractured and somewhat conspiratorial society could be construed as strange bedfellows.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of truth

Browse Nearby Words

mottling
motto
mottoes
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Cite this Entry

“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motto. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motto

Nglish: Translation of motto for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motto

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