as in sayings
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of proverbs
At this year’s Thorpe ceremony, too, Barron and Dennard — men of faith — bonded over Proverbs 27:17, talking about Barron’s future.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
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
Reading Proverbs did not manage to enlighten me to the possibility that my parents’ rules were devised in my best interest.
—Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
In West African traditions, the drum serves as both a musical instrument and a talking messenger, transmitting proverbs, praises, and official announcements in a language that reinforces the chief’s authority and the community’s history.
—Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Ecclesiastes, also a wisdom book, has a very different perspective from Proverbs.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There’s a line in Proverbs that says that, ‘Death and life are in the hands of the tongue’.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 23 May 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
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
Reading Proverbs did not manage to enlighten me to the possibility that my parents’ rules were devised in my best interest.
—Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
In West African traditions, the drum serves as both a musical instrument and a talking messenger, transmitting proverbs, praises, and official announcements in a language that reinforces the chief’s authority and the community’s history.
—Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Ecclesiastes, also a wisdom book, has a very different perspective from Proverbs.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There’s a line in Proverbs that says that, ‘Death and life are in the hands of the tongue’.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 23 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverbs
Noun
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His daughter, Lisa Rodriguez, said he was known for his loud sense of style — his favorite shirt had a rainbow tiger on it — and his funny sayings.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
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The chef wrote around 40 sayings and gathered more from his Instagram followers.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Mercury moves through your 1st House of Identity, sharpening your voice and making your words more direct than usual.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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But, as her words were read out, McGovern sat calmly, with a pencil in his hand, completing a sudoku.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proverbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverbs. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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