a posteriori

adjective

Definition of a posteriorinext
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for a posteriori
  1. reasonable
  2. a priori
  3. good
Adjective
  • Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Research into sparse, a priori network topologies, architectures like NeuroFab, start sparse rather than pruning dense networks after training.
    — Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things.
    — Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Definition of a priori
Adjective
  • From here, the Manchester City defender sprints into the six-yard box to meet the corner, forcing a good save from Dominik Livakovic, with his team-mates unable to scramble the ball over the line.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Graham, who had turned 71 just two days before passing away on Saturday night, was far younger than many of his Senate colleagues and appeared to have been in good health.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of good

Browse Nearby Words

apostatizing
a posteriori
apostle
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Cite this Entry

“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on a posteriori

Nglish: Translation of a posteriori for Spanish Speakers

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