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.
River Of Constant Change This (above) truism was offered by Jonny Williams, chief digital adviser, UK public sector at Red Hat. Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Now, as the president considers more forceful action against Russia, his party is sifting through signals of his future direction — even as Trump follows the truism that presidents’ foreign policy rarely conforms to a single identity. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025 The 2025 session put a bit of a wrinkle in that truism. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 Mills was reflecting on a truism of American government that is, usually, true. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

truism

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

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