as in sayings
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
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Recent Examples of aphorisms
His social commentary reflected disgust with the unfettered capitalism of the Gilded Age, and his cynical aphorisms became widely quoted.
—
Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
The statement is one among many hard-hitting aphorisms that ring devastatingly true for the state of our current world, as late-stage capitalism widens the gap between haves and have-nots, creating unsustainable conditions for millions of people.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Oscar Wilde remains the go-to source of aphorisms for Britons after a quick laugh.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
His music pulls together Tin Pan Alley and 1960s Wall of Sound pop, ticky-tacky drum machines and synths; his storytelling brings a bohemian world into focus through arch aphorisms, dirty jokes and rhymes that scan impeccably.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Vertical white banners bearing Daoist aphorisms and traditional Chinese landscapes adorned the façade.
—Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026
Among the oldest such cultural translations are the Hippocratic aphorisms.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Nietzsche spoke through Zarathustra, aphorisms, and self-contradiction.
—Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Indeed, Schiffmann was more prone to citing postmodernist aphorisms and artists than famous venture capitalists and tech founders.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
The statement is one among many hard-hitting aphorisms that ring devastatingly true for the state of our current world, as late-stage capitalism widens the gap between haves and have-nots, creating unsustainable conditions for millions of people.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Oscar Wilde remains the go-to source of aphorisms for Britons after a quick laugh.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
His music pulls together Tin Pan Alley and 1960s Wall of Sound pop, ticky-tacky drum machines and synths; his storytelling brings a bohemian world into focus through arch aphorisms, dirty jokes and rhymes that scan impeccably.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Vertical white banners bearing Daoist aphorisms and traditional Chinese landscapes adorned the façade.
—Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026
Among the oldest such cultural translations are the Hippocratic aphorisms.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Nietzsche spoke through Zarathustra, aphorisms, and self-contradiction.
—Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Indeed, Schiffmann was more prone to citing postmodernist aphorisms and artists than famous venture capitalists and tech founders.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorisms
Noun
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Strapping’s product mix is equal parts practical and playful, from tasteful housewares to apparel and linens with sassy sayings.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
-
Unfortunately and annoyingly, sometimes sayings like that are repeated so much for a reason.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Noun
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At this year’s Thorpe ceremony, too, Barron and Dennard — men of faith — bonded over Proverbs 27:17, talking about Barron’s future.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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For nine months, Erasmus spent his short nights in a modest dorm and his long days in the print shop, expanding on his collection of proverbs Adagiorum chiliades while Aldus proofread, craftsman carefully laying sets of print and rolling paper through the press.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Not sure those words have ever been used before to describe a major sports facility in the United States, but change is good.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2026
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Author sits down and types in a frenzied montage, words flowing directly from the ether onto the page.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aphorisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorisms. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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