Definition of epigramnext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience Benjamin Franklin's famous epigram, "Remember that time is money"

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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 epigram By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic? James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Johnson is the author of the epigrams, but Boswell is very much the co-author. David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Holmes’ feed is a babbling stream of self-help epigrams, ankle-deep reflections and many, many photos of herself. Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2025 That celebrated epigram is delivered by the character of Octave, who is the greatest creation of Renoir’s career—not least because he’s played by Renoir in a performance that’s essentially a self-portrait, even an onscreen self-creation. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 July 2025 It’s been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story. Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Her poems of that era — sonnets, epigrams, eminently quotable snippets of rhymed gossip — pulse with the dynamism and attitude of the modern city. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Throughout, Snook hams for laughs, turning Wilde’s witticisms and epigrams into slapstick. Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epigram
Noun
  • There’s a football proverb so old that, well, good luck attempting to find its original source.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Teachers of science, mathematics and English were expected to include Quranic verses, sayings and traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad or other religious messages in their lessons.
    Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Personalize the labels with sweet sayings, their initials, or even anniversary dates to commemorate the occasion.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The climactic scene in which Paulina conjures us with these words is one of the most breathtaking in Shakespeare.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • There's no timeline yet, no word on how the money splits among the six firms, and no first project named.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At one point, Lowe and Rogan joked about the hoary aphorism that says anyone who isn’t a liberal at 25 has no heart, but anyone who isn’t a conservative by 35 has no head.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • What remains are cinematic aphorisms that may well be true, but cannot alone tell a compelling story.
    Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Epigram.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epigram. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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