conventional wisdom

noun

: the generally accepted belief, opinion, judgment, or prediction about a particular matter

Examples of conventional wisdom in a Sentence

Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Little wonder that the conventional wisdom today is that AI models inevitably commoditize. Rob Toews, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 But over the past decade, new studies and public health warnings have called that conventional wisdom into question, stating emphatically that no level of alcohol consumption could be considered safe — much less beneficial. Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025 In United’s case, meanwhile, there is an intriguing correlation emerging between end changes and results; and not in the way that conventional wisdom would suggest. Thom Harris, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 Contrary to conventional wisdom though, the causes of our failure were not political. Kelly McKinney, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional wisdom

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conventional wisdom was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional%20wisdom. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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