Thesaurus results for ADAGE

adage

noun

ˈa-dij

Definition of adage

as in proverb

an often stated observation regarding something from common experience that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"

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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 The company granted Hayes free food for life at any location, though familiarity, to misquote an old adage, breeds boredom. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026 If the old Ernest Hemingway adage holds true, that courage equals grace under pressure, then Anna May Wong (1905-1961) had it in spades. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 While the old adage says slow is smooth and smooth is fast, Illinois is lagging far behind progressive states such as New York and Maine that have passed moratoriums on data centers. — Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 There are no small parts, the old theater adage goes, only small actors. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage

Noun

In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
Bad word set in not just here but around the world, a 180 to the vibrant critical reaction and audience reception on One Battle After Another (94% certified fresh, A CinemaScore).

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of word

Noun

Groups of implicatures Grice identified three broad groups of implicatures generated through the observance, violation, or flouting of maxims in keeping with the cooperative principle.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of maxim

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adage

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“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of adage

noun

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