as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
The acting legend, who was baptized and became a minister at the end of 2024, has entered his zen era, content to reel off aphorisms about fame and filmmaking; taking shots while walking backwards into his own mystique.
—
Thomas Page, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Minima Moralia, composed in the shadow of the Holocaust, collects quasi-Marxian fragments and aphorisms that even as postscript to atrocity read as terrible prophecy.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
The British Standards Institution (BSI) ’s latest survey data all but confirmed the aphorism, as the business improvement and standards firm found consumer expectations concerning sustainability increasingly at odds with willingness to pay for those expectations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025
Every five minutes or so, Godard blurts out a favorite aphorism.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Thomas Page, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Minima Moralia, composed in the shadow of the Holocaust, collects quasi-Marxian fragments and aphorisms that even as postscript to atrocity read as terrible prophecy.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
The British Standards Institution (BSI) ’s latest survey data all but confirmed the aphorism, as the business improvement and standards firm found consumer expectations concerning sustainability increasingly at odds with willingness to pay for those expectations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025
Every five minutes or so, Godard blurts out a favorite aphorism.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
-
On the other hand, perhaps this is one of those rare and unforeseen opportunities that give rise to the proverb of no guts, no glory.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
For centuries, the proverb has reminded us that seeing is believing.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Everybody uses that as a saying.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
-
But, as the saying goes, that's what makes a market.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Before that, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon — the other three of the four Mousquetaires of French men’s tennis — have sent Monfils off into his last season with some kind words.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
One-word answers litter the path toward your desperate, fumbling attempt to get away.—
Jonny Thomson,
Big Think,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And how does Simonson feel about my own Martini maxim: that it must be served with an odd number of olives, while an even number represents the apocalypse.—
Adam Morganstern,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The Sonicare brushing app is proof that this maxim couldn’t be truer.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share