as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
it's a common maxim that "a watched pot never boils," but that's not literally true
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 maxim
These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week.
—
Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Christie’s 20th century evening sale on Tuesday, which totaled $486 million with a sell through rate of 92 percent by value and 83 percent by lot, certainly proved that maxim true.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024
This maxim holds just as true in cyber security as in sports.
—Phillimon Zongo, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Christie’s 20th century evening sale on Tuesday, which totaled $486 million with a sell through rate of 92 percent by value and 83 percent by lot, certainly proved that maxim true.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024
This maxim holds just as true in cyber security as in sports.
—Phillimon Zongo, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
-
The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
-
But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Chris Goettl, vice president of security product management at Ivanti, meanwhile, said that in the Midwest there’s a saying about March which goes in like a lion, out like a lamb.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Buy the rumor; sell the news, as the old saying goes.—
Ben Walsh,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The word has carried both literal and metaphorical meanings (like inspiration or a small beginning of something) since early usage.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
People with limited connection to the group where the word originated may not fully understand what the word means, how it is pronounced, or how it is used.—
Sarah Bunin Benor,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Hill: ‘No pain, no gain’ is the motto of the new Trump economy.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
13 Mar. 2025
-
This is not only impacting performance and productivity rates (though productivity rebounded at the end of 2024), but such work cultures can be counterproductive to the motto of efficiency.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Indeed, on March 10th, the NASDAQ 100 had its worst day since 2022 losing 3.8% and proving the adage that investors hate uncertainty.—
Michael Brown,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Hartman says there’s an adage among homebuilders and owners that building a new home takes twice as long and costs twice as much, however, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share