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
-
Many other huge companies have never used either word over that span.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Trump and Zelenskyy exchanged sharp words during the week.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof.—
Elyse Durham,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Like the old adage about waiting a long time for a bus only to have three show up at once, Dries Van Noten — nearly glacial in the past regarding store openings — has four in the cards this year.—
Miles Socha,
WWD,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The plus for Wrexham comes via the old adage ‘form is temporary but class is permanent’, with O’Connell having featured in 11 of those 12 clean sheets in the league this season and Cleworth in 10.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The books were silly, designed to entertain, but also filled with aphorisms that forced you to pause for a moment or two.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The perfect vague yet totally true aphorism to throw at any put-down.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
His time in the US Army Special Forces cemented his duty of care, a life mission that comes from the Green Berets’ motto: De Oppresso Liber (‘to free the oppressed’).—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
-
That is the motto of your presidency: the best and the brightest, the most intelligent, coming into these spaces.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to proverb
Cite this Entry
“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share