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.
There is a truism that a good place to live is a good place to visit—and that relationship often creates a virtuous cycle of development. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 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 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 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 10 Sep. 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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