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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Sets come in half-dozens and include designs like a soccer ball, a flag, celebratory sayings in the language and a jersey, according to its website.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
May 15,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
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Readers share Mother's Day advice, funny sayings and expressions from moms.—
Letters to the Editor,
Washington Post,
8 May 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
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Latest in bitter back-and-forth The sour words about each candidate’s PAC connections are only the latest in a bitter back-and-forth between the two Democrat women.—
Mathew Miranda
June 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
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The Aquarius Moon sharpens public visibility, so choose plain words that protect quality, scope, and timing.—
PubSubHub User,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aphorisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorisms. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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