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 old proverb about pride coming before a fall continues to wreck modern boardrooms for a reason. — Kevin Brady, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 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 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
  • But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard.
    — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There’s an old saying in football that the best gig is that of the assistant coach.
    — JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Presidents across party lines celebrated Dolly Parton on Tuesday following her death, speaking to the country icon’s ability to transcend politics through her work that often spoke louder than words.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The advance word on his performance here has been very strong.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 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
  • Chefs are fond of saying that the culinary business is in their blood, but for Alex Kuk, the adage rings true.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The old football adage about teams making their biggest improvements between their first and second games might not apply in the NFL preseason, when personnel are constantly being shuffled in and out of the action.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 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
  • That has been Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s motto since the late director and College of DuPage educator Craig Berger founded the equity ensemble 40 years ago.
    — Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That's The Post's motto, which can be seen in Instagram-able fashion on a parking lot mural behind The Post's original Germantown digs.
    — Bob Vitale, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proverb

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proverb

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