as in sayings
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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Recent Examples of adages
One of Payton’s most frequent adages is that the worst place to be on the field is behind the quarterback.
—
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
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 last one – the last out of a game, say, or the last victory in a playoff series – is considered the hardest one to achieve, if old adages and the like are to be believed.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
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 last one – the last out of a game, say, or the last victory in a playoff series – is considered the hardest one to achieve, if old adages and the like are to be believed.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adages
Noun
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Taking what the defense gives you is one of the oldest sayings in the NBA book.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Holtz was quick with inspirational sayings, humor, and self-depreciation that was an act, but oh so charming.—
Mac Engel
March 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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,
Literary Hub,
24 Nov. 2025
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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
Noun
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Friends, former colleagues, and community members have dropped off care packages and shared words of encouragement.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Unkind words and thoughts from your harshest critic (yourself) are all too common, especially for women, and their effects can diminish mood, confidence and self-esteem while positive ones can have the opposite impact.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adages. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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