Thesaurus results for MAXIM

maxim

noun

ˈmak-səm

Definition of maxim

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

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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 maxim That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 But that’s the world’s most popular game in 2026, intent on testing the old coaching maxim that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026 But, in a democracy, deciding whether the creation of the fund violates the moral maxim that no one can be a judge in his or her own cause ultimately will be up to the people. — Austin Sarat, Fortune, 24 May 2026 But that maxim may not hold up this year. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim

Noun

That proverb, attributed to everyone from Yogi Berra to a Danish Nobel laureate, springs to mind whenever someone asks me about an upcoming NFL season.

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
An ancient proverb notes that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

Apparently the trick is to react more to the tone and tempo of the voice, rather than necessarily the precise words.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The same poll found belief that data centers raise electricity bills jumped from 43% in January to nearly 60% by July—six months before Apollo or Morgan Stanley published a word of this research.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of word

Noun

This year’s motto for the 39th Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy stated by Outi Rehn, program director, and Pauliina Ståhlberg, executive director, says it all.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
That has been Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s motto since the late director and College of DuPage educator Craig Berger founded the equity ensemble 40 years ago.

— Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of motto

Noun

While the old adage says slow is smooth and smooth is fast, Illinois is lagging far behind progressive states such as New York and Maine that have passed moratoriums on data centers.

— Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
There are no small parts, the old theater adage goes, only small actors.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of adage

Browse Nearby Words

maxillae

maxim

maxima

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“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of maxim

noun

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