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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In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 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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Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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