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
-
There's no-contact check-in and the rooms are reasonable.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Injecting an element of randomness and uncertainty into the process is reasonable, given that in the real world, measurements are never exact.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
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
-
Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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