as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
that old adage, "the early bird gets the worm"
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 adage
The adage ‘everyone is a developer in LA’ rings true to their story.
—
Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This adage from legendary UCLA coach John Wooden applies to a business environment as well as a basketball court.
—Ryan Lahti, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
John Cho proving the old adage that everyone is hotter in sunglasses, James Ransone reprising elements of Ziggy Sobotka as a thrills-chasing thief, and John Mulaney losing his temper when someone misquotes Stephen Sondheim.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2025
The bigger-is-better adage is one that the world’s biggest cruise lines — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line among them — continue to embrace, as one mega-size cruise ship after another rolls down the pipeline on its way from the shipyard to the sea.
—CNN Money, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adage
Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This adage from legendary UCLA coach John Wooden applies to a business environment as well as a basketball court.
—Ryan Lahti, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
John Cho proving the old adage that everyone is hotter in sunglasses, James Ransone reprising elements of Ziggy Sobotka as a thrills-chasing thief, and John Mulaney losing his temper when someone misquotes Stephen Sondheim.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2025
The bigger-is-better adage is one that the world’s biggest cruise lines — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line among them — continue to embrace, as one mega-size cruise ship after another rolls down the pipeline on its way from the shipyard to the sea.
—CNN Money, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adage
Noun
-
To butcher a proverb, if Bielsa is for you, who in that corner of England could possibly be against you?—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
This powerful African proverb reminds us that a community of caring individuals—be it relatives, friends, or community members—plays a vital role in raising a child.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2025
-
Final Thoughts There’s a saying in sustainability circles: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is right now.—
Emmanuel Carrillo,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The use of the words 'genocide' or 'acts of genocide' to describe what is happening in Gaza is no longer debated by international legal experts or human rights organizations.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
29 May 2025
-
In today's competitive business landscape, data has surpassed the meaning of just a word.—
Mohit Menghnani,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
-
At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adage. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share