as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"
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 adage
The adage about the key to gardening success being to put the right plant in the right place has never been truer.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
The other classic adage that comes to mind is that nothing ventured, nothing gained.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The old adage was that money can’t buy time.
—Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025
There’s an old technical adage – when in doubt, back it out.
—Jay Woods, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adage
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
The other classic adage that comes to mind is that nothing ventured, nothing gained.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The old adage was that money can’t buy time.
—Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025
There’s an old technical adage – when in doubt, back it out.
—Jay Woods, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage
Noun
-
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
-
On the other hand, perhaps this is one of those rare and unforeseen opportunities that give rise to the proverb of no guts, no glory.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The friends who are giving their commentary don’t have a penny in that nickel, as the saying goes.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The saying, ‘never meet your heroes’ simply does not apply here.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Published in English, French, and German, the letters can range from a few hundred to 1,500 words, depending on how feisty Karp is feeling.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Since their 23-9 win Sunday against the Browns, the Steelers have not minced words when describing the playing surface for the game.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And how does Simonson feel about my own Martini maxim: that it must be served with an odd number of olives, while an even number represents the apocalypse.—
Adam Morganstern,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The Sonicare brushing app is proof that this maxim couldn’t be truer.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share