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."

Related Words

Relevance

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
  • 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
  • Popeye the Sailor Man has been guzzling spinach since 1931 to build muscle, while the apple-a-day advice derives from a 19th-century Welsh proverb.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 May 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • As the saying goes, hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue.
    — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
  • One person’s flip-flop is another person’s strappy sandal… or so the saying goes.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Skubal seems to comprehend how his performance and his words both hold weight.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Maybe redemption is too strong a word, but with all of this attention on Luke, Joe’s normal-bordering-on-wholesome fling with Kayley is a breath of fresh air.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • In the United Kingdom, the maxim known as Murphy’s law is commonly referred to as Sod’s law.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026
  • That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question.
    — John A. Tures, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Furthermore, this equality isn’t just a formal, mathematical axiom.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The debates that sparked in the lobby afterward, confronting uncomfortable truths about our society or sharing moments of profound empathy, were the building blocks of a resilient society.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • But the harsh truth is that Coleman has a reputation to overcome.
    — The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of truth

Browse Nearby Words

mottling
motto
mottoes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motto. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on motto

Nglish: Translation of motto for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of maverick

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All