aphorism

noun

ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce aphorism (audio)
Definition of aphorismnext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 aphorism In the face of climate change, such woo woo aphorisms seem ridiculous, naive, and cruel. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 Cruyff came up with many aphorisms over the course of his life. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2026 In romance, Tolstoy’s aphorism about the family is reversed. — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 Politics is no refuge for those allergic to the viral aphorism. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. maxim
Noun
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
  • That proverb, attributed to everyone from Yogi Berra to a Danish Nobel laureate, springs to mind whenever someone asks me about an upcoming NFL season.
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • Everybody, according to an old saying of unknown but apparently wise origin, is an expert at raising other people’s kids.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • To quote another Mexican saying, por eso estamos como estamos.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Davis said another group of students arrived and the two exchanged words before gunfire erupted.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Why does Gleb discount the power of those words and feel himself invulnerable?
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • Groups of implicatures Grice identified three broad groups of implicatures generated through the observance, violation, or flouting of maxims in keeping with the cooperative principle.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of maxim

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aphorism
aphorisms
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Cite this Entry

“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aphorism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aphorism

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