motto

noun

Definition of mottonext
as in proverb
a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto. The Scout motto is "Be prepared."

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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 motto And in the Granite State, the first part of that motto almost always wins. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2026 This is where Barca’s famous mes que un club (more than a club) motto comes in, coined by former club president Narcis de Carreras during his 1968 inauguration speech. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The motto described something that already existed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026 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, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motto
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. maxim
  5. axiom
  6. truth
Noun
  • There’s a football proverb so old that, well, good luck attempting to find its original source.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • The next three chapters offer an anthology of sayings from rabbis who were active in the early centuries of the Common Era, including Hillel and Johanan ben Zakkai, among many other tannaim.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • But the saying also slyly sets the stage for the men’s existential inquiries; in Cool Machine, Pepper and Carney ask themselves the same thing.
    — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Chennai claimed him as Thala, a Tamil word meaning leader that functions as something closer to a title of devotion.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Later, the Taurus Moon enters your 3rd House of Communication, helping simple words calm the noise around you today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • But looking across the span of the past decade, the maxim about rookie tight ends makes sense.
    — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
  • An Anthropic employee and mathematician recently overturned a nearly century-old axiom with the help of Claude, prompting Garry Tan, CEO of startup-funder Y Combinator, to announce the era of the gentleman scientist is back.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • This is not only for the purposes of truth, accountability, justice, and reconciliation.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson is a truth teller and has been a Hall of Fame-caliber player in other schemes.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of truth

Browse Nearby Words

mottling
motto
mottoes
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Cite this Entry

“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motto. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motto

Nglish: Translation of motto for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motto

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