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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When external pressure intensifies—political, economic, or social—institutions often respond by narrowing their field of vision and toeing the line seems like the most reasonable course of action.—
Anjali Chaudhry,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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But Bloom’s legacy has had the unfortunate effect of making even more reasonable canon defenses look reactionary.—
Colton Valentine,
New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
-
Parents can now set daily time limits or block Shorts entirely, depending on what works best for their household.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Fan and critical consensus touted Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant-if-too-breezy GNX as one of 2024’s best and most successful rap albums.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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