truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce truism (audio)
Synonyms of truismnext
: an undoubted or self-evident truth
especially : one too obvious for mention
To understand the present, we need to know about the past—a truism that is all too often forgotten. Peter Stansky
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 play isn’t subtle; the final sequence leans hard on truisms about addiction and trauma, which are affecting but overly explicit. Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026 One of the truisms in the past for Team Canada at some best-on-best events is needing a few games to find its game. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 What’s happening now underscores that truism. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026 Mayors of other county cities have recently validated that truism. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026 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 25 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

truism

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

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