motto

noun

Definition of mottonext
as in proverb
a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto. The Scout motto is "Be prepared."

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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 motto The motto described something that already existed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026 The campaign motto, Her Şey Çok Güzel Olacak (Everything will be fine) now sounded sad. — Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026 Summer’s less is more motto rings especially true when a 90-degree afternoon is forecasted; a mini tank or spaghetti-strap midi will be a reliable choice to take the guesswork out of getting dressed. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 June 2026 This is where Barca’s famous mes que un club (more than a club) motto comes in, coined by former club president Narcis de Carreras during his 1968 inauguration speech. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for motto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motto
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. maxim
  5. axiom
  6. truth
Noun
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • Popeye the Sailor Man has been guzzling spinach since 1931 to build muscle, while the apple-a-day advice derives from a 19th-century Welsh proverb.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 May 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • One popular saying suggests a knot tied on a rainy day is harder to untie.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • But your abhorrence of the outcomes of particular elections doesn’t justify your saying, Well, the hell with that.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • But that’s the world’s most popular game in 2026, intent on testing the old coaching maxim that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026
Definition of maxim
Noun
  • But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question.
    — John A. Tures, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Furthermore, this equality isn’t just a formal, mathematical axiom.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Definition of axiom
Noun
  • The ugly truth of America's expensive homes Support Public Media.
    — Brittany Luse, NPR, 6 July 2026
  • Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House, says the story of Betsy Ross reflects a broader truth about who contributed to America’s founding.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of truth

Browse Nearby Words

mottling
motto
mottoes
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Cite this Entry

“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motto. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motto

Nglish: Translation of motto for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motto

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