adage

noun

ˈa-dij How to pronounce adage (audio)
Definition of adagenext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 For a Cubs team that has dealt with all sorts of injuries to pitchers, Hoyer is maintaining his adage that a team can’t have too many arms. — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 The adage grew that if Crerand played well, United played well. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 July 2026 The adage highlights the unpredictability of situations and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026 One of the oldest adages in organizing is that the action is in the reaction. — Mike Gecan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. maxim
Noun
  • There’s a football proverb so old that, well, good luck attempting to find its original source.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • That brings us to Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, a title gleaned from an Islamic saying about the care and love owed to mothers.
    — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The old saying about independent movies is that they are never finished.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Chennai claimed him as Thala, a Tamil word meaning leader that functions as something closer to a title of devotion.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Later, the Taurus Moon enters your 3rd House of Communication, helping simple words calm the noise around you today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • 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
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of maxim

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Cite this Entry

“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on adage

Nglish: Translation of adage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adage

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