truism

play

noun tru·ism \ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm\

Definition of truism

: an undoubted or self-evident truth; especially : one too obvious for mention

truistic

play \trü-ˈis-tik\ adjective

See truism defined for English-language learners

See truism defined for kids

Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”

Recent Examples of truism from the Web

Both the Cavaliers and the Warriors are marvels to behold, often combining the truisms of the game — move without the ball, find the open man, pick and roll, pick and roll — with refreshing audacity and panache.

— the new york times, New York Times, "Sorry, Cavaliers. It’s Warriors (in Four, Five, Six or Seven).", 31 May 2017
But Kerr, writing in the Volokh Conspiracy, points out one truism in this whole sordid affair: That the provision of the Patriot Act, Section 215, being cited to allow the snooping program expires June 1, 2015.

— david kravets, WIRED, "Supreme Court May Not Review Conflicting NSA Phone Spying Rulings", 3 Jan. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'truism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.