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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Recent Examples of maxim
Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof.
—Elyse Durham, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof.
—Elyse Durham, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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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
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The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Prioritize Continuous Education To Build Inclusive Leadership Skills The saying goes that knowledge is power; as such, inclusive leaders already know that one of the tenets of success is continuous education.—
Simone E. Morris,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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While wearing gaudy lime green T-shirts, neon ties sprouting shamrocks with Gaelic sayings, or singing catchy, sentimental tunes, many people also enjoy an Americanized version of the Celtic culture for a day, whether Irish or not.—
Maureen Murphy,
Hartford Courant,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Investigators say a man approached a group of people on a sidewalk and exchanged words before a weapon was fired, FOX 5 reported.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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The words would be heard many times at Southside Park and in Sacramento streets as the day honoring Chavez’s legacy unfolded.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But as the man who lived the city’s motto, ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’, his god-like aura shines as brightly as ever.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Chard told Fox News Digital that there’s one other rule that hasn’t changed as Kate focuses on her health and future – the old motto of keep calm and carry on.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
Fox News,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Half of the top 10 are in California As the age-old adage says, money can’t buy happiness.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Mar. 2025
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The Houston native responded quickly with a quintessentially Stallion-esque adage, emphasizing her message of being a Hot Girl and returning the conversation to her after-party gown.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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