as in reasonable
formal
relating to what can be known by observation rather than through an understanding of how certain things work
an a posteriori explanation
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Recent Examples of a posteriori
This a posteriori saga gives us a refreshed Raphael, whose psychological acuity feels newly approachable.
—
Roberta Smith, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2020
Roberta Smith, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for a posteriori
Adjective
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Those deductible expenses generally include reasonable costs of moving household goods and personal effects, plus travel and lodging for the move, but not meals.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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As New York looks forward, however, what are reasonable power expectations for Lindor, Bichette and Polanco, and for Marcus Semien, whose home run totals have dropped from 29 to 23 to 15 to a pace for 12 this year?—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things.—
Chandler Fritz,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
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These new loops manufacture demand, legitimacy, and cultural weight—not because of what the content says, but because of how it was engineered a priori.—
Emil Steiner,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But on the other hand the club also needed power, and even in a best case scenario Durbin never projected as someone who’d move the needle much in that area.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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Then obviously, the Colorado Eagles and the Colorado Avalanche — just two really good teams.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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