variants
also mottos
as in sayings
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
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Recent Examples of mottoes
Over time, it's only woven itself deeper into the fabric of American cultural consciousness, spawning new memes, mottos, and social media trends each year.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
These pithy mottos are accompanied by three state seal recommendations that look as though they had been composed during kindergarten just before nap time.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
These pithy mottos are accompanied by three state seal recommendations that look as though they had been composed during kindergarten just before nap time.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottoes
Noun
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Punk sayings and doodles are used as embroidery and prints for dresses, sweatshirts, and denim.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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One of Keith Burckhardt’s sayings, still, is burned into Russell Mayor Hilary Buchert’s head.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Reading Proverbs did not manage to enlighten me to the possibility that my parents’ rules were devised in my best interest.—
Meghan O’Gieblyn,
Harpers Magazine,
20 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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The first sentence has something like 31 words and takes a while to say, let alone read and digest.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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And, Governor, again, powerful words.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mottoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottoes. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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