conventional wisdom

noun

: the generally accepted belief, opinion, judgment, or prediction about a particular matter

Examples of conventional wisdom in a Sentence

Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These numbers somewhat challenge conventional wisdom about digital transformation. Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The sentinels of conventional wisdom settled on the view that the Iraq invasion was one of the great own goals of American foreign policy, and that its beneficiary was Iran. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 At the time, conventional wisdom was that reducing inflammation, along with resting, would reduce pain and hasten healing. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 Covino and Martin challenged the conventional wisdom on comedy’s global reach on Deadline’s recent Comedy Means Business podcast. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional wisdom

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conventional wisdom was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional%20wisdom. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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