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
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Recent Examples of byword
Before 2022, Ukraine was a byword for corruption: a resource-rich klepto-state in the no-man’s land between the EU and Russia.
—
Dominic Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
To some initial consternation, a Texan actor named Renée Zellweger is cast as the UK’s essential heroine, a character who, by then, is already globally understood to be a byword for contemporary, cosmopolitan womanhood.
—Hugh Grant, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
West Ham, Prague aside, have become a byword for underachievement.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Over the past five years, El Salvador has gone from a byword for dysfunction in American politics to a potential model for some, particularly for those on the Right.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Dominic Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
To some initial consternation, a Texan actor named Renée Zellweger is cast as the UK’s essential heroine, a character who, by then, is already globally understood to be a byword for contemporary, cosmopolitan womanhood.
—Hugh Grant, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
West Ham, Prague aside, have become a byword for underachievement.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Over the past five years, El Salvador has gone from a byword for dysfunction in American politics to a potential model for some, particularly for those on the Right.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byword
Noun
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According to an ancient Neapolitan proverb, ‘More things happen in a day than in an entire century’.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2025
-
To butcher a proverb, if Bielsa is for you, who in that corner of England could possibly be against you?—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Guests can float between two outdoor pools—one a heated classic, the other a saltwater pool carved right into the rocks—or enjoy Mediterranean dishes at the hotel’s two restaurants, Récif and the new Estelo (formerly known as La Plage) and new bar, La Chicoula (formerly known as La Cabane).—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 June 2025
-
Friday’s game was a classic in every sense of the word.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
His words capture a moment of convergence between celebrity advocacy and scientific breakthrough that couldn’t be more timely.—
Greg Licholai MD,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The guy smiled at that, probably not understanding a goddam word.—
Mike O’Brien,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
In many ways, American Science & Surplus is a physical manifestation of the maker ethos.—
Eric Bangeman – Jun 4,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2025
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All around these memories there were beautiful pieces by Grace Wales Bonner and Willy Chavarria, living manifestations of how much André did to help promote talented people of color.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
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Adding witty sayings to the leaves of handheld fans, Knighten wanted to make a statement with her products in a fun and unique way.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Strong cited the new opt-out system being considered by the UK government, which would mean copyright holders would need to opt-out from having their material used for training AI models.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
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Open source is a big deal in AI right now because of the strong performance of those models, especially out of China, which are free to use.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Marion, 37, has lived that motto, relaying on sports as a positive outlet growing up, having overcome bouts of homelessness as a college football player and throughout his cross-country tours as a fast-rising coach.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
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Summer’s less is more motto rings especially true when a 90-degree afternoon is forecasted; a mini tank or spaghetti-strap midi will be a reliable choice to take the guesswork out of getting dressed.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
5 June 2025
Noun
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A bit later, Federer and Nadal and Djokovic took over, and people thought that was the game’s apotheosis.—
Thomas Swick,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2025
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As far as men’s clothes are concerned, the apotheosis for me was between the Edwardian era—Victorian had a few too many frills, a bit too heavy—and the 1920s, the jazz age, with its freedom, a bit of laissez faire, a bit of inventiveness.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byword. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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