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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That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
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As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 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
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The steep declines this week showed just how on edge investors are regarding AI — even when the news is good, or when doomsday scenarios are completely made out of thin air.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Garna showed some really good things in my time.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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