conventional wisdom

Definition of conventional wisdomnext
as in party line
opinions or beliefs that are held or accepted by most people Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.

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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 conventional wisdom Contrary to conventional wisdom, the expansion of NATO to Central Europe in 1999 came not as a response to some eternal Russian threat, but out of fear of the return of nationalism and wars inspired by nationalism. Ivan Krastev, Time, 21 Jan. 2026 The Chiefs broke through that ceiling for a half-decade, ignoring the league’s conventional wisdom. Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026 Well, hot take dating throws out that conventional wisdom, encouraging daters to get as upfront and honest as possible about their viewpoints, especially their most controversial ones. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 Even as the Blue Jackets lagged in the standings and suffered frustrating losses, the conventional wisdom was that Evason may get the rest of this season to turn around the Blue Jackets. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conventional wisdom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional wisdom
Noun
  • The clear video evidence starkly refutes the party line.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The House narrowly passed the entire spending package, including the DHS spending bill, last week along a mostly party line vote.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But sweeping generalizations flatten reality and do a disservice to institutions such as Roosevelt — and students such as mine.
    Ryan Gable, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Drug development depends on mechanism understanding and generalization under uncertainty.
    Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The most commonplace and the most concerning, as a consequence, come by way of phishing campaigns.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The 1945 War Brides Act largely diverged from these previous measures, helping to dismantle the Asian exclusion made commonplace in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
    Anna Storti, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jordan's role on All My Children was originally played by the late Chadwick Boseman, who was fired after just one week on set after criticizing Reggie's character arc for playing into racial stereotypes (Jordan and Boseman would later go on to star together in 2018's Black Panther).
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Boseman was allegedly let go after voicing his concerns that Reggie’s character relied too much on racial stereotypes.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Mon Lumière offers a smart alternative to complicated routines and costly in-office treatments, delivering an easy system that supports both preventive and corrective care with comfort and consistency.
    William Jones January 29, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
  • His brand, Wizard Wellness, launches Thursday on its website with sinus rinses, nasal sprays, nasal sticks and oral strips, plus bundles around routines with each.
    James Manso, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional wisdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional%20wisdom. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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