as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
it's a common maxim that "a watched pot never boils," but that's not literally true
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Recent Examples of maxim
Still, that leaves a substantial audience who will find much to enjoy in this grisly yet sensitive take on the old maxim that every baby is different.
—
Catherine Bray, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The United States is currently living out the first half of that maxim.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Maybe anyone planning long journeys should take those maxims as advice anyhow.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Manfred has bucked that maxim before, with success.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Catherine Bray, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The United States is currently living out the first half of that maxim.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Maybe anyone planning long journeys should take those maxims as advice anyhow.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Manfred has bucked that maxim before, with success.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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What does the phrase squeaky bum time, the racehorse Devon Loch, and the Portuguese proverb ‘morrer na prais’ all have in common?—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The rooms The old Japanese proverb ‘*kachou fuugetsu’—*which translates as ‘flower, bird, wind, moon’ evoking a sense of the transient beauty of nature—is a key concept at the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But as the saying goes, one data report is just a signal; two is a pattern; three months, really, is what tells you the trend.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
3 Apr. 2026
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In fact, there’s a saying among gardeners that perennials sleep, creep, leap.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Indeed, barely any words are exchanged.—
Kristen Roupenian,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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There was no word on if the mother did name the baby Kennedy.—
Jeff Capellini,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Sí Se Puede is the iconic motto of the United Farm Workers of America, which was founded by both Chavez and Huerta.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Apr. 2026
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The display, accompanied by the motto Growing America Since 1862, reportedly cost taxpayers $16,400.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Well enough with the seasonal adages, let’s get into the news.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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This age-old adage inspired Zendaya's The Drama press tour wardrobe, and she's finally revealed the finale.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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