as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience her mother endlessly repeated the apothegm "cleanliness is next to godliness"

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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 apothegm As with every Together Live speaker, each apothegm is met with exuberant applause. Zoë Ghertner, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apothegm
Noun
  • The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.
    Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
  • But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • As the old saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sours.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His emails are two words long, to the point and nothing extra.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 10 Feb. 2025
  • At the Superdome, the final word was replaced with a man yelping.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On his plane plastered with Trumpian epigrams, Vance makes the case for Trump’s second-term vision of enhanced executive power.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
  • No one could tell the clock by him; no one could quote an epigram of his; no one could ever remember his being a friend of their daddy—or even their granddaddy.
    E. L. Doctorow, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Apothegm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apothegm. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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