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
-
Grand jury proceedings require only probable cause, not proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and are conducted without defense counsel present.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Analysts view the bank's valuation as more reasonable following the pullback.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 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
-
Some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are both uptown and walkable, including breakfast juggernaut Cheeky’s and its adjacent pizza-pasta-patio hotspot Birba, farm-to-table fave Workshop, and cool cocktail den Tailor Shop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Whichever silhouette you’re drawn to, their popularity lies in their chameleonic quality to look good with both neutrals, from white to black to shades of gray, and trending seasonal shades, like red and cobalt blue.—
Lucrezia Malavolta,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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