as in saying
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proverb
For nine months, Erasmus spent his short nights in a modest dorm and his long days in the print shop, expanding on his collection of proverbs Adagiorum chiliades while Aldus proofread, craftsman carefully laying sets of print and rolling paper through the press.
—
Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Includes quirky facts, adages, advice, quotes and proverbs, as well as articles about mistletoe, bird nests, perennials, timekeeping, recipes and more.
—Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
The lyrics, some inspired by proverbs and biblical passages, convey the fervor of his first love with God, without losing his personal touch.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
His tale has become a proverb for any outdoor fanatic who, despite all of the proper planning and preparation, is undone by forces more powerful than him or herself.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proverb
Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Includes quirky facts, adages, advice, quotes and proverbs, as well as articles about mistletoe, bird nests, perennials, timekeeping, recipes and more.
—Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
The lyrics, some inspired by proverbs and biblical passages, convey the fervor of his first love with God, without losing his personal touch.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
His tale has become a proverb for any outdoor fanatic who, despite all of the proper planning and preparation, is undone by forces more powerful than him or herself.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proverb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverb
Noun
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As the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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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
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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
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Pause briefly, choose your words with intention, and stay on point.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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As the adage goes, the road to success is seldom a straight line.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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More interesting is the fact that both stations are doing so well, proving the old adage that real competition brings out the best.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Oscar Wilde remains the go-to source of aphorisms for Britons after a quick laugh.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
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His music pulls together Tin Pan Alley and 1960s Wall of Sound pop, ticky-tacky drum machines and synths; his storytelling brings a bohemian world into focus through arch aphorisms, dirty jokes and rhymes that scan impeccably.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In fact, in the days when paychecks were mailed to employees, this emphasis on customer service became a motto.—
John Beifuss,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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Sí Se Puede is the iconic motto of the United Farm Workers of America, which was founded by both Chavez and Huerta.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverb. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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