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
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Recent Examples of maxim
That medical maxim, taught to physicians for ages, would serve Florida well if the Legislature were to adopt it.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Lobby or be lobbied over is a maxim local governments continue bringing to the table today.
—Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 22 Dec. 2025
The maxim was reflected in statements by many Dudek employees, who participated in an anonymous survey.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
The rest of the book is spent expanding on these maxims one by one, in her colloquial, easy style, with references to classic psychological studies, her own research and her own experiences.
—Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Lobby or be lobbied over is a maxim local governments continue bringing to the table today.
—Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 22 Dec. 2025
The maxim was reflected in statements by many Dudek employees, who participated in an anonymous survey.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
The rest of the book is spent expanding on these maxims one by one, in her colloquial, easy style, with references to classic psychological studies, her own research and her own experiences.
—Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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But perhaps the night’s theme was best summed up by a proverb, not from Italy, but Coventry’s native continent.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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And there’s a proverb, this idea of the secret of getting old.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
26 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That these sayings are meant to reflect something both deep and asinine about the film itself is self-evident.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
15 Feb. 2026
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Today, the writings come in the form of cards and sweet sayings on candy.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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One word kept coming up among women who talked about their journeys in those years.—
Lilit Marcus,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Silver knows that strong words and six-figure fines might not be nearly enough to compel struggling teams to commit to real competition instead of improving their odds in what’s expected to be one of the deepest drafts in recent history — and that’s why the NBA is looking at stronger solutions.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At these Olympics, broadcast drones have given new life to the decades-old Olympic motto — faster, higher, stronger — translating it for the technological age.—
Rick Maese,
Washington Post,
9 Feb. 2026
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Our school motto was Faites vos désirs réalités.—
Hari Kunzru,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That adage explains why ICE agents should not wear masks.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
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The old adage that defense wins championships held true as the Seattle Seahawks clobbered the New England Patriots, 29-13, in Super Bowl 60.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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