aphorisms

noun

plural of aphorism
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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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 aphorisms What remains are cinematic aphorisms that may well be true, but cannot alone tell a compelling story. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026 Unlike the majority of the Mishnah—the codification of the Jewish Oral Law—Pirkei Avot has very little Halakhic content and instead emphasizes general ethical matters conveyed through aphorisms attributed to ancient rabbinic sages. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 Astonishing to watch Armand invent noir femme fatale aphorisms in real time. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026 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 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 Oscar Wilde remains the go-to source of aphorisms for Britons after a quick laugh. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 Vertical white banners bearing Daoist aphorisms and traditional Chinese landscapes adorned the façade. — Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorisms
  1. sayings
  2. proverbs
  3. words
Noun
  • The next three chapters offer an anthology of sayings from rabbis who were active in the early centuries of the Common Era, including Hillel and Johanan ben Zakkai, among many other tannaim.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • Where the most hopelessly corny sayings are painstakingly stitched into the equivalent of cloth graph paper by women who believe in the sayings and give the plaques to people who do not believe in the sayings.
    — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of sayings
Noun
  • The third film in director Éric Rohmer’s series Comedies and Proverbs, Pauline at the Beach explores the emotions (and delusions) around summer love.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 20 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of proverbs
Noun
  • The prosecution’s case is largely built on the defendant’s own words, including his book, podcast and documentary interviews and statements to police.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The right words could turn a loose idea into something real today.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of words

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Cite this Entry

“Aphorisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorisms. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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