as in proverb
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 aphorism
The conceit and self-involvement of Isabella’s brother John is also dispatched effectively, not with aphorism but with his own words.
—
Adelle Waldman, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
His announcement was greeted with surprise and then minutes of thundering applause from shareholders — many of whom became millionaires by owning Berkshire stock and hang onto his every financial aphorism.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Apparently, Eric Musselman (not unlike his crosstown rival) has never heard of Harry Truman’s aphorism about where the buck stops.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Even so, virtually every one of its paragraphs contains a sensible and quotable aphorism.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Adelle Waldman, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
His announcement was greeted with surprise and then minutes of thundering applause from shareholders — many of whom became millionaires by owning Berkshire stock and hang onto his every financial aphorism.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Apparently, Eric Musselman (not unlike his crosstown rival) has never heard of Harry Truman’s aphorism about where the buck stops.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Even so, virtually every one of its paragraphs contains a sensible and quotable aphorism.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
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That ancient proverb captures the mindset of American investors eyeing the Middle East as a global growth engine.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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A certain proverb about glass houses comes to mind.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Noun
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As the saying goes, nobody wants to sit at the reject table.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Of course—as the saying goes—Paris is never a bad idea, and a trip to the city isn't complete without indulging in good French cheese, hunting for vintage goods at an antique market, and people-watching at one of the outdoor cafes.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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On top of luring potential suitors your way with your words, this seductive transit sets the stage for warm, heart-to-heart conversations with those who share similar values.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued an exclusive statement to EW condemning Navarro's words.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That maxim certainly applies to the push by Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Teachers Union leadership to look to the tax increment financing program as a cure-all for their $734 million budget shortfall.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Aug. 2025
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That was one of the guiding maxims within the company.—
Terry Gross,
NPR,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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