as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"
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 adage
Thankfully, there's something to that old adage about felines having nine lives because The Jellicle Ball rouses Cats from its grave.
—
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
Well enough with the seasonal adages, let’s get into the news.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
This age-old adage inspired Zendaya's The Drama press tour wardrobe, and she's finally revealed the finale.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
This foundational adage of Western philosophy asks us to dwell, examine, and look inward for a long time.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adage
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
Well enough with the seasonal adages, let’s get into the news.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
This age-old adage inspired Zendaya's The Drama press tour wardrobe, and she's finally revealed the finale.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
This foundational adage of Western philosophy asks us to dwell, examine, and look inward for a long time.
—Shai Tubali, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
As the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
There is an old saying that people who represent themselves in court effectively have a fool for a lawyer.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The game’s objective is to group words or objects into four groups of four based on commonalities within each group as quickly as possible.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Pause briefly, choose your words with intention, and stay on point.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the maxim applies in a different way in the documentary Fork in the Road, which made its world premiere Saturday at the Sonoma International Film Festival in California’s wine country.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
29 Mar. 2026
-
By now, decades into Americans’ pursuit of cooking as a mainstream hobby, certain maxims have become near-law among food lovers.—
Emily Heil,
Washington Post,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
