conventional wisdom

noun

Synonyms of conventional wisdomnext
: 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
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The conventional wisdom had been that Cornyn would be a gimme for the GOP while Paxton and his baggage—the Republicans in the state legislature impeached him—would be a drag, especially if Talarico emerged. Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026 Church’s description of increasing emotional waves, arriving without warning years after the loss, suggests the process is far less predictable than conventional wisdom suggests. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026 SimpleImages/Getty Images The conventional wisdom has always been to buy gold when stocks and other traditional investment vehicles look shaky. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026 The second is that, by giving Sean Penn its trophy, BAFTA dispelled a major piece of conventional wisdom, which held that Penn and co-star Benicio del Toro would continue to split votes at the bigger awards bodies. Nate Jones, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 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 14 Mar. 2026.

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