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
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Roberta Smith, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for a posteriori
Adjective
-
The ten-course meal costs a hundred and forty dollars per person, which is not exactly sofa-cushion change but does feel reasonable given that such high-flying pastry is normally available only at the end of ultra-ritzy meals of considerably higher expense.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
Finding the perfect venue to have a ring, a backstage area, paying fees and setting a reasonable ticket price are all things that have to be considered.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things.—
Chandler Fritz,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
-
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
-
While the new stadium deal has generated a lot of good press in the days since it was announced, both Swanston and Singh acknowledge that things are extremely early in the process.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Illinois Wesleyan recruit Conor McCabe went 2-for-4 and delivered a three-run double in the fifth inning to put the Knights (13-11, 6-5) ahead for good.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
