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

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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 parables 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 The wordplay is as colorful as the sonics are sedate, tag-team player parables sailing over production seeking a slippery middle ground between East and West Coast throwback jams. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 The musical features a ragtag group who help Jesus tell various parables. Mo Rocca, CBS News, 16 Nov. 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
  • Explore the Wild West from the back of a rickety wagon as characters share famed fables about Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, Pecos Bill, John Henry and Hekeke.
    Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
  • In 1964, Time, which then had a circulation of more than 3 million, ran a cover story on John Cheever, the author known for his dark fables of suburban malaise.
    Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Parables.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parables. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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