as in sayings
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
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Recent Examples of proverbs
The lyrics, some inspired by proverbs and biblical passages, convey the fervor of his first love with God, without losing his personal touch.
—
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
Ecclesiastes, also a wisdom book, has a very different perspective from Proverbs.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There’s a line in Proverbs that says that, ‘Death and life are in the hands of the tongue’.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 23 May 2025
There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible.
—Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025
One Eagles assistant coach alluded to Proverbs 27:7 on Monday, furthering illustrating Wade's point.
—Paul Skrbina, The Tennessean, 27 Nov. 2024
As the Book of Proverbs says, without wood, there is no fire.
—Arlie Russell Hochschild, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
Ecclesiastes, also a wisdom book, has a very different perspective from Proverbs.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There’s a line in Proverbs that says that, ‘Death and life are in the hands of the tongue’.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 23 May 2025
There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible.
—Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025
One Eagles assistant coach alluded to Proverbs 27:7 on Monday, furthering illustrating Wade's point.
—Paul Skrbina, The Tennessean, 27 Nov. 2024
As the Book of Proverbs says, without wood, there is no fire.
—Arlie Russell Hochschild, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proverbs
Noun
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Amish are part of the wider Anabaptist movement, which puts heavy emphasis on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, containing some of his most radical and counter-cultural sayings — to love enemies, live simply, bless persecutors, turn the other cheek and to endure sufferings joyfully.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Workers’ Party of Korea is the sole ruling party of North Korea, blending communism with the words, sayings and ideals of the Kim dynasty, who have imposed their authoritarian rule on the country for three generations.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There would be no breakup, no hard words, no goodbyes.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
2 Nov. 2025
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As Guerrero finished, Bichette stepped to his locker, uttering his final few words, too.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proverbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proverbs. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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