1
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
Mom's favorite byword is "You can get more flies with honey than with vinegar"
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2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example
nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of byword
Before 2022, Ukraine was a byword for corruption: a resource-rich klepto-state in the no-man’s land between the EU and Russia.
—
Dominic Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
To some initial consternation, a Texan actor named Renée Zellweger is cast as the UK’s essential heroine, a character who, by then, is already globally understood to be a byword for contemporary, cosmopolitan womanhood.
—Hugh Grant, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
West Ham, Prague aside, have become a byword for underachievement.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Over the past five years, El Salvador has gone from a byword for dysfunction in American politics to a potential model for some, particularly for those on the Right.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Dominic Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025
To some initial consternation, a Texan actor named Renée Zellweger is cast as the UK’s essential heroine, a character who, by then, is already globally understood to be a byword for contemporary, cosmopolitan womanhood.
—Hugh Grant, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
West Ham, Prague aside, have become a byword for underachievement.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Over the past five years, El Salvador has gone from a byword for dysfunction in American politics to a potential model for some, particularly for those on the Right.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for byword
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byword
Noun
-
The book’s prose is inspired by proverbs and sections from the Old Testament, as well as McConaughey’s own daydreams, nightmares and musings.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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It’s been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story.—
Jann E. Freed,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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The film didn’t perform well, but the soundtrack has become a cult classic, and now, The Pick of Destiny has become a commercial success.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
During a stay, guests are privy to elaborate breakfast spreads that present Mexican classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles in the highest quality manner with ingredients sourced from traditional markets around the city.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Because the only way to build a responsible AI future is to build it together. — Erika R. Knierim, senior associate, Founders Law Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
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Building on the complex relationship between words and images, the picture book is both meticulously designed and (often) mass-produced.—
Philip Nel
July 28,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Noun
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The collecting of hair is, in short, a deeply unrelatable manifestation of deeply relatable emotions: love, grief, nostalgia, yearning.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
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While in police custody, Madelyn Cline's Danica Richards has a vision of Helen, who was memorably killed by the Fisherman in the 1997 movie, as a manifestation of her guilt.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
Never is a long time, and words can be meaningless, as the saying goes.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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Now, the saying will help the Heart community share and continue her legacy.—
Abby Roedel,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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But Bregman turns 32 in March, and data models rarely endorse the idea of long-term contracts at that age.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
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If accurate, that means the base model will have a bigger battery than the Plus option, despite being historically smaller.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Anne’s motto is ‘just get on with it,’ while William always seems concerned with what an event says about the future of the crown.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 July 2025
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But when Adora meets a handsome man named Digby while at the ballet, her life motto is put to the test.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
The accident occurs seconds after the apotheosis of their relationship.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
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At the apotheosis of technical wizardry, Vacheron Constantin debuted the most complicated wristwatch in the world, the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication-La Première.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byword. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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