as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
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Recent Examples of aphorism
The books were silly, designed to entertain, but also filled with aphorisms that forced you to pause for a moment or two.
—
John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
The perfect vague yet totally true aphorism to throw at any put-down.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2025
The marketing taglines that bear the same force and resonance as elders’ aphorisms: 1010 WINS, American Express, Calgon.
—Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The dollar, on the other hand, is everyone’s problem, to paraphrase an aphorism from John Connally, the former U.S. Treasury secretary.
—Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
The perfect vague yet totally true aphorism to throw at any put-down.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2025
The marketing taglines that bear the same force and resonance as elders’ aphorisms: 1010 WINS, American Express, Calgon.
—Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The dollar, on the other hand, is everyone’s problem, to paraphrase an aphorism from John Connally, the former U.S. Treasury secretary.
—Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
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To butcher a proverb, if Bielsa is for you, who in that corner of England could possibly be against you?—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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This powerful African proverb reminds us that a community of caring individuals—be it relatives, friends, or community members—plays a vital role in raising a child.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
10 May 2025
Noun
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As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2025
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Final Thoughts There’s a saying in sustainability circles: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is right now.—
Emmanuel Carrillo,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The words take on an emotional second meaning after Todd's death, playing like a farewell message from the actor himself, and that's not by accident.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Pagnol revolutionized film dialogue, bringing literary sophistication and realism to the screen at a time, in the early sound era, when producers feared the spoken word.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Noun
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War is hell — and Warfare does its damnedest to honor that old maxim.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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Here, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share some essential maxims for senior leaders to follow when offering feedback to direct reports, along with why these principles are so useful for providing guidance to build strong, high-performing teams. 1.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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