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
Many corporate leaders still adhere to Milton Friedman’s maxim that the primary purpose of a company is to maximize shareholder returns.
—
Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Lamar Alexander reminded me of a maxim from the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the conservative icon.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
There is a maxim among songwriters about positive songs being tougher to write, or write honestly.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Lamar Alexander reminded me of a maxim from the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the conservative icon.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
There is a maxim among songwriters about positive songs being tougher to write, or write honestly.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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The difficulty that arises is reminiscent of the old proverb about blind men groping different parts of an elephant.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
6 May 2025
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Even the most nonsensical attempts at new proverbs resulted in a confident explanation from Google's AI Overview, created right there on the spot.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Preserve & Grow Wealth With Risk-Focused Quality Portfolios However, as the saying goes – never put all your eggs in one basket.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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The saying goes that the only things to survive the apocalypse will be Twinkies and roaches.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The promise of power to the people is still in the Constitution, and those words will be there forever.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
3 May 2025
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Just a few words that found their way into playlists, protest chants, school yards, and social media platforms.—
Eda Uysen,
Rolling Stone,
3 May 2025
Noun
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The jacket also has the club motto Fino Alla Fine printed on it to demonstrate the club’s constant pursuit of excellence.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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The secretary’s remarks echoed an earlier motto from Trump’s first administration, which pursued more moderate trade policies, and marked a departure in tone from just three weeks ago, when the president announced massive tariff increases on countries around the world.—
Michael Wilner,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This adage from legendary UCLA coach John Wooden applies to a business environment as well as a basketball court.—
Ryan Lahti,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
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John Cho proving the old adage that everyone is hotter in sunglasses, James Ransone reprising elements of Ziggy Sobotka as a thrills-chasing thief, and John Mulaney losing his temper when someone misquotes Stephen Sondheim.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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