truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce truism (audio)
: an undoubted or self-evident truth
especially : one too obvious for mention
truistic adjective

Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”
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.
The notion that Trump is the wrong answer to the right question has become something of a truism for liberals. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025 With Section 899, Republicans are trying to test the truism about two wrongs not making a right. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 For Alex Eala, though, that truism exists on an entirely different level. Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 That is a truism that has existed for at least 50 years. ABC News, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for truism

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truism was in 1714

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Truism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truism. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

truism

noun
tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce truism (audio)
: an obvious truth

More from Merriam-Webster on truism

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