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Definition of proverbial

proverbial

/prəˈvɜːr.bi.əl/
pro · ver · bi · al
Adverb:proverbially
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proverbial Lexical Profile

proverbial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Referred to in a proverb or idiom, or used to signal that a following phrase is a familiar saying or cliché.

Example

"Finding the misplaced document in the archives was like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack."

2

Widely known, notorious, or constantly spoken of as a classic example of a particular quality.

Example

"Her proverbial generosity and warmth made her a beloved figure throughout the entire neighborhood."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for proverbial

• Nearby Words

prove
provenance
proverb
proverbial
proverbially
provide
provided

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Late Latin proverbialis, derived from proverbium ('a common saying or maxim'), from pro- ('forth, publicly') and verbum ('word').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Proverbial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/proverbial
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