as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
it's a common maxim that "a watched pot never boils," but that's not literally true
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maxim
Lamar Alexander reminded me of a maxim from the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the conservative icon.
—
David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
There is a maxim among songwriters about positive songs being tougher to write, or write honestly.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Mandela’s collaborative strength and ability to rally further reinforces this maxim.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
There is a maxim among songwriters about positive songs being tougher to write, or write honestly.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Mandela’s collaborative strength and ability to rally further reinforces this maxim.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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But Bluey’s comforted when Calypso tells her a proverb about a farmer who trusts everything will turn out the way it’s meant to be.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2025
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Whitaker nicknamed the place Sparrow Hall, a reference to a medieval saint’s proverb about a sparrow who flies over a royal banquet, feeling only a brief moment of warmth.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Read more The pathetic, slow-motion downfall of Barack Obama Houseguests and fish begin to smell after three days, as the saying goes.—
Aris Folley,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
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As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.—
Fernanda Galan,
Sacbee.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, the question of how much worth is placed on an Israeli life versus a Palestinian one is answered mostly in words, and thus, in too direct (and perhaps too didactic) a fashion, when so much of the movie’s drama could have grounded it emotionally.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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So Far The word takes on a whole other meaning, however, once Violet enters the swank joint.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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She’s got so many mottos, so many mantras, so many things to say about the zodiac.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
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Still, their motto holds firm: Nothing but the Best.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His performance in Top Gun proves the hoary old thespian adage that there are no small parts, just actors who aren’t as good as Val Kilmer.—
John DeVore,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2025
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The old adage is that moms have eyes in the back of their heads, but a new study shows that women in general may also have more sensitive hearing.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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