proverb

noun

ˈprä-ˌvərb How to pronounce proverb (audio)
Definition of proverbnext
as in saying
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 proverb The characters liberally use puns, proverbs, and film songs to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and sometimes switch between languages to make a point. — Literary Hub, 16 Apr. 2026 What does the phrase squeaky bum time, the racehorse Devon Loch, and the Portuguese proverb ‘morrer na prais’ all have in common? — Ian Irving, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 The rooms The old Japanese proverb ‘*kachou fuugetsu’—*which translates as ‘flower, bird, wind, moon’ evoking a sense of the transient beauty of nature—is a key concept at the hotel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026 But perhaps the night’s theme was best summed up by a proverb, not from Italy, but Coventry’s native continent. — Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proverb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverb
  1. saying
  2. word
  3. maxim
  4. adage
  5. aphorism
  6. motto
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
  • The climactic scene in which Paulina conjures us with these words is one of the most breathtaking in Shakespeare.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • There's no timeline yet, no word on how the money splits among the six firms, and no first project named.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 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
  • That myth — the adage that tours and festivals featuring all, or even primarily women, aren’t good business — has been around long before the days of Lilith Fair.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
  • After so many games this season, some version of that adage, a verbal shrug and a nod to how unpredictable the sport is, has been uttered in the Padres clubhouse.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
Definition of adage
Noun
  • At one point, Lowe and Rogan joked about the hoary aphorism that says anyone who isn’t a liberal at 25 has no heart, but anyone who isn’t a conservative by 35 has no head.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • What remains are cinematic aphorisms that may well be true, but cannot alone tell a compelling story.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of aphorism
Noun
  • The company noted most flags were designed decades or centuries ago, back when a seal, a motto, and something that looked dignified on a courthouse lawn was plenty.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The 28-year-old was dressed, much like his other group members in red, black and white, pairing a cool motto jacket with sunglasses.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2026
Definition of motto

Browse Nearby Words

provender
proverb
proverbs
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Cite this Entry

“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proverb

Nglish: Translation of proverb for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proverb

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