as in sayings
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
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 proverbs
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
There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible.
—Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025
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
There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible.
—Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverbs
Noun
-
Countless sayings have likened friends to our most precious commodities—safety, home, even precious metals—for good reason.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Blue-and-white minibuses, inscribed with misspelt movie quotes and popular local sayings, snaked through the congestion on the narrow road in front of them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These words are fascinating to consider in relation to Soderbergh, who has flitted among genres and subjects with a facility that is easily mistaken for dilettantism, or even ventriloquism.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Clever Mercury in your sign trines lucky Jupiter in your 5th House of Delight, giving your words a playful glow and encouraging authentic self-expression.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proverbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverbs. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
