1
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
Mom's favorite byword is "You can get more flies with honey than with vinegar"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example
nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of byword
Moreover, in the case of Kafka, a highly idiosyncratic writer, whose very name has become a byword for modern alienation and bureaucratic absurdity, the influence of his elegant and long-canonical early translators Willa and Edwin Muir still looms large.
—
Mark Harman
august 8, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025
Before Wales’ women’s teams were given names on the back of their shirts in 2019, Fishlock’s was the one people could reel off, a byword for Welsh women’s football.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The exhibits will give a more nuanced view of a ruler whose name has become a byword for marauding in the west.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025
For others, the town provides the most inauthentic travel experience possible, Benidorm a byword for debauchery and sleaze.
—Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Mark Harman
august 8, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025
Before Wales’ women’s teams were given names on the back of their shirts in 2019, Fishlock’s was the one people could reel off, a byword for Welsh women’s football.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The exhibits will give a more nuanced view of a ruler whose name has become a byword for marauding in the west.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025
For others, the town provides the most inauthentic travel experience possible, Benidorm a byword for debauchery and sleaze.
—Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byword
Noun
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Instead, Jeffrey Gahler has turned budget hearings into a sideshow by attacking McCord for scribbling a French version of a familiar proverb during an April meeting.—
Aegis reader commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Aug. 2025
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In West African traditions, the drum serves as both a musical instrument and a talking messenger, transmitting proverbs, praises, and official announcements in a language that reinforces the chief’s authority and the community’s history.—
Felicia Appenteng,
semafor.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Hardcore fans of the nine-season NBC comedy classic may even remember that was the actual full name of the show’s in-universe documentary that aired in Season 9.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Her theater credits span Broadway classics like Company, Once Upon a Mattress, Tartuffe and Starlight Express, as well as a West End turn in Guys and Dolls — a role that nabbed her an Olivier Award.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Asked at the time by The Athletic to explain the decision to leave Enciso out, Hurzeler did not mince his words.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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With words like these, act fast on this deal!—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Spiritual practices, such as affirmations and manifestations, are commonly incorporated into wellness influencer’s approach to achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
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The book will teach aspiring entrepreneurs about the power of manifestation as applied to creating and building a company.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Since 1994 the percentage of Republicans who identify as very conservative or conservative has grown from around 60% to 77% with 18% saying moderate (down from around 32%) and, somewhat remarkably, 4% as liberal or very liberal (down from around 9%).—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Critics may not crown it the season’s darling, but, as the saying goes, critics don’t vote for the Oscars.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Hence, clubs are turning to the player-trading model long pioneered, and more recently supercharged, by Chelsea.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Their motto is Real Time Data For Real Time Managing.—
Margot Machol Bisnow,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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Massachusetts residents will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on potential new state seal, flag and motto proposals, after a commission unveiled the top three finalists in each category.—
State House News Service,
Boston Herald,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The accident occurs seconds after the apotheosis of their relationship.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
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Rooftop 58 serves as a near-perfect metaphor for the city’s recent apotheosis: Where a crumbling eyesore of a parking garage stood for decades, a new local government office, Brucity, opened in late 2022.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byword. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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