Definition of parablenext
as in allegory
a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life the parable in which the repentant sinner is compared to the returning prodigal son who is welcomed home

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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 parable Mandela’s life and South Africa’s history should never be flattened into a corporate parable. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The pair’s mysterious interactions in the early chapters give way to a series of parables of doubt and belief, in which a rational character is confronted by an irrational event—and immediately convinced of its absolute truth. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 Shifting baseline syndrome was initially considered an evocative parable of humans’ estrangement from wild nature—a warning in the form of a hypothesis. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 Jesus taught his followers by his remarkable example, including innumerable healings, as well as through his sermons and parables. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for parable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parable
Noun
  • Mungiu may have a less sadistic streak and a more active camera, but the two filmmakers share a particular commitment to narrative indeterminacy, devising intricate yet incomplete crime-story plots that function broadly as sociopolitical allegories.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In East of Eden, Pugh delivers yet another knock out performance as Cathy Ames, the distant mother and madam at the center of Steinbeck’s multigenerational family saga and biblical allegory.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ajon [Singh] talked a lot about that fable of the two wolves.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell?
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The drama mixes battlefield action with a tale of conflicted allegiances and the dangers of undercover work in hostile territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Flanagan is the prolific horror writer-director who has tackled several Stephen King tales (Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, Carrie) and delivered several limited series hits for Netflix (Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Parable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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