as in saying
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
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Recent Examples of proverb
As the old Roman proverb goes: What touches all should be decided by all.
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Sigal Samuel, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
In other words, as the Russian proverb goes, trust but verify.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
Another – considered as the world’s oldest – is a proverb that again comes from Sumeria.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
From Sabri, who made check-in feel like catching up with an old friend, to the beach attendants who noticed my African Proverbs hat and shared an African proverb with me.
—Devine Blacksher, Essence, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proverb 
Sigal Samuel, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
In other words, as the Russian proverb goes, trust but verify.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
Another – considered as the world’s oldest – is a proverb that again comes from Sumeria.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
From Sabri, who made check-in feel like catching up with an old friend, to the beach attendants who noticed my African Proverbs hat and shared an African proverb with me.
—Devine Blacksher, Essence, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proverb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverb
Noun
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Well singer Lizzo took the saying to the next level with this Halloween look.Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024
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Many fans felt that the saying, which came from poet and writer Dorothy Parker, born in 1893, was outdated and rude.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Rabinovich offers a masterful overview without wasting a word.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
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In the stunned, ringing silence of the visiting locker room, Lutz and many others struggled to find words to describe the sting.Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Biden just doesn’t seem to understand a maxim of all performative endeavors, including politics: the greatest know when to cede the stage.Philip Elliott, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
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Bickerstaff’s comment captures an integral maxim of sports: process over results.Mat Issa, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
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No matter how careful your calculations, your turkey will inevitably compete with a roomful of side dishes, too many too-tasty appetizers, and some adage about saving room for dessert.Alma Avalle, Bon Appétit, 28 Oct. 2024
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The lyrics echo the adage that the divorce happens long before the divorce.Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
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With that aphorism in mind, here are some thoughts about the 2024 election and its likely impact on tax policy.Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Hong’s characters deliver sharp dialogue that blends piercing confessions and resonant aphorisms, and his lyrical cinematography, encompassing many sequences of nature (including scenes indeed set by the stream), makes all the world their stage.Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
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No wonder Zed’s motto is Rebel Against the Ordinary.Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
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More than just a family motto or team chant, the expression has ascended to iconic status for many players who work in the Chargers’ $250-million training facility, soak in the sun’s rays during a fall practice and cool off with the gentle South Bay breeze.Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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