Thesaurus results for APHORISM

aphorism

noun

ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm

Definition of aphorism

as in proverb

an often stated observation regarding something from common experience what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?

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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 aphorism Astonishing to watch Armand invent noir femme fatale aphorisms in real time. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026 In the face of climate change, such woo woo aphorisms seem ridiculous, naive, and cruel. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 Cruyff came up with many aphorisms over the course of his life. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2026 In romance, Tolstoy’s aphorism about the family is reversed. — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aphorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism

Noun

In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

An old saying goes that a postseason series doesn’t truly start until the road team wins a game, so the Tampa Bay Rays better hope the Fall Classic doesn’t end anytime soon.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
The only constant is change, as the saying goes, and workers are wearing thin because of it.

— Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of saying

Noun

Without any apparent word from SED on its impact on public schools, the governor recently committed the state to Trump administration tax credits for families’ school expenses.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Or perhaps this cloud is a textual reduction of a larger discourse—words extracted from customer reviews?

— Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of word

Noun

The mindful alignment of body and mind is the guiding maxim of the spa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
There’s little evidence that Ampere Analysis’ maxim, coined a couple of years ago – a contracting sector chasing a 75% of peak TV business – has not changed.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of maxim

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“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of aphorism

noun

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