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
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.
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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
That African proverb captures the essence of teamwork and the rationale for doing it well.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
As the old Roman proverb goes: What touches all should be decided by all.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See all Example Sentences for proverb 
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
That African proverb captures the essence of teamwork and the rationale for doing it well.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
As the old Roman proverb goes: What touches all should be decided by all.
—Sigal Samuel, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See all Example Sentences for proverb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverb
Noun
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And there's a saying here in India - in a road mishap, the blame goes to whoever's got the more expensive vehicle.New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
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Their father, an airline pilot, went out for the proverbial pack of cigarettes and never returned, as the saying goes.EW.com, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Corcoran delivered his final words before taking his last breath.Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
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Because, Linford says, while sorrow is real, the final word is joy.Jason DeRose, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There’s the old maxim that country music more than any other genre is about storytelling.Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
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That and the state’s maxim—The Greatest Snow On Earth—broadcasted on every souvenir item possible isn’t overselling how preposterously light and fluffy the powder is here, or how much of it falls annually (up to 500 inches).Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Garbage In, Garbage Out, as the old computer engineer adage goes.Adrian Swinscoe, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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Though the old adage is defense wins championships, particularly in today’s NBA, offense really helps, too.Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Sports coaches and managers often use mantras and aphorisms meant to inspire.John Hughes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
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Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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That’s the motto, at least, for scores of DIYers who modify their homes again and again for the sake of personalization.Madeline Bilis, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
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Boasting an enviable black book of exclusive VIP experiences and relationships with some of the world’s finest guides, UTC lives by its motto, Why do Ordinary.Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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