Thesaurus results for PARABLE

parable

noun

ˈper-ə-bəl

Definition of parable

as in allegory

a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life the parable in which the repentant sinner is compared to the returning prodigal son who is welcomed home

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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 parable Apparently all mothers, even surrogate mothers, were alike, but at least Adele no longer had to fear monitory parables from her real mother. — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 The desire to find these kinds of positive parables was largely driven by the fact that Malone is the mother of a young boy. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 19 May 2026 On Sundays, O’Neal’s father preached hope from the pulpit, stories of his family intertwined with morals and truths and parables. — Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 On Sunday, O’Neal’s father preached hope from the pulpit, stories of his family intertwined with morals and truths and parables. — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parable

Noun

That story can be read as an allegory for how our memories and imaginations work as readers.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Los Angeles is an ideal locale for such soul-searching, and being a stranger in a strange land — who finds other strangers there, too — forms a poignant, effective allegory (that’s also graciously restrained).

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of allegory

Noun

Likewise, Schoenbrun specializes in zeitgeisty fables about 21st century isolation.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Here is the rather randy first trailer for Wicker, the comedic fable starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage that debuted at Sundance in January.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Definition of fable

Noun

No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
This time, though, there’s more heavy metal influence — more guitar, more drums, more church organ, more attitude — to complement Cathedral’s grim tale.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of tale

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“Parable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parable. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of parable

noun

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