List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 341

SYNONYMS: saying, maxim, adage, saw, motto, epigram, proverb, aphorism.
These nouns refer to concise verbal expressions setting forth wisdom or a truth.

A saying is an often repeated and familiar expression: She was fond of quoting the sayings of philosophers.
Maxim denotes particularly an expression of a general truth or a rule of conduct: For a wise man, he seemed to be governed too much by general maxims.
Adage applies to a saying that has gained credit through long use: The child gave no belief to the adage, "Good things come in small packages."
Saw often refers to a familiar saying that has become trite through frequent repetition: My wise saws gave little comfort to the losing team.
A motto is a maxim that expresses the aims, character, or guiding principles of a person, a group, or an institution: "Exuberance over taste" was her motto.
An epigram is a terse, witty expression, often paradoxical or satirical and neatly or brilliantly phrased: In his epigram Samuel Johnson called remarriage a "triumph of hope over experience."
Proverb refers to an old and popular saying that illustrates something such as a basic truth or a practical precept: "Slow and steady wins the race" is a proverb to live by.
Aphorism, a concise expression of a truth or principle, implies depth of content and stylistic distinction: Few writers have coined more aphorisms than Benjamin Franklin.