as in sayings
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"
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Recent Examples of adages
More than 5,000 of you wrote in with adages that were wise, moving and often funny — from the golden rule to the importance of always wearing clean underwear.
—
Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Well enough with the seasonal adages, let’s get into the news.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
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
Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Well enough with the seasonal adages, let’s get into the news.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adages
Noun
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Sets come in half-dozens and include designs like a soccer ball, a flag, celebratory sayings in the language and a jersey, according to its website.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
May 15,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
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Readers share Mother's Day advice, funny sayings and expressions from moms.—
Letters to the Editor,
Washington Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
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At this year’s Thorpe ceremony, too, Barron and Dennard — men of faith — bonded over Proverbs 27:17, talking about Barron’s future.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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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
Noun
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Latest in bitter back-and-forth The sour words about each candidate’s PAC connections are only the latest in a bitter back-and-forth between the two Democrat women.—
Mathew Miranda
June 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
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The Aquarius Moon sharpens public visibility, so choose plain words that protect quality, scope, and timing.—
PubSubHub User,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adages. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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