parables

plural of parable
as in allegories
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

Synonyms & Similar 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 parables As nightmare thought experiments shape the fight over how to govern a multitrillion-dollar industry, some experts say the parables may lead decision-makers astray. — Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026 Then Jesus appears and leads them through a joyful summer day of parables and prayer, in a New York City otherwise devoid of people. — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 The pair’s mysterious interactions in the early chapters give way to a series of parables of doubt and belief, in which a rational character is confronted by an irrational event—and immediately convinced of its absolute truth. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 Jesus taught his followers by his remarkable example, including innumerable healings, as well as through his sermons and parables. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026 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 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 Faustian parables unlock more interesting connotations when considered not in terms of politics, but of art. — Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026 What kind of message would prime Jeezy have presented without the pyrex parables in tow? — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parables
Noun
  • There are allegories that can be read about fear of the unknown breeding cruelty and exploitation, but Disclosure Day is first and foremost a propulsive yarn with thematic roots in hope, truth, empathy and perhaps even spirituality.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
  • Sci-fi stories about alien invasions have often functioned as political allegories for anxieties around empire and immigration, Lechuga says.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Few eras of Greek history compare to the ancient times that the country has become so synonymous with—the cinematic fables of Odysseus, comic-book lore of Leonidas, and philosophic creeds of Socrates are ever-present in pop culture.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Likewise, Schoenbrun specializes in zeitgeisty fables about 21st century isolation.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parables. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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