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.
Although conventional wisdom has been that a TIA is a temporary event without lasting effects, these findings add to the evidence that this might not be the case for all patients, says coauthor Birgitte Ebbesen, a PhD candidate at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 May 2025 The conventional wisdom is that the startup sector has been spared the impacts of tariffs because startups are often service providers in tech, software, web, crypto, AI etc. Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Either way, the conventional wisdom was that an American pope was out of the question. Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025 But either way, the conventional wisdom was that an American pope was out of the question. Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 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 22 May. 2025.

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