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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Recent Examples of maxim
But my one hard-and-fast cooking maxim is: Always wash your blender, immediately.
—
Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Senior leaders can keep certain maxims in mind to shape a constructive message that’s both insightful and impactful.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Wishbone Kitchen’s House Rules Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Senior leaders can keep certain maxims in mind to shape a constructive message that’s both insightful and impactful.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Wishbone Kitchen’s House Rules Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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The difficulty that arises is reminiscent of the old proverb about blind men groping different parts of an elephant.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
6 May 2025
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Even the most nonsensical attempts at new proverbs resulted in a confident explanation from Google's AI Overview, created right there on the spot.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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As the old saying goes, blood — and directorial instincts — are thicker than water.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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An old saying suggests a series isn’t a series until the road team wins a contest on the opponent’s home floor.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2025
Noun
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The words take on an emotional second meaning after Todd's death, playing like a farewell message from the actor himself, and that's not by accident.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Read every single word, as there will be a pop quiz this week to test your knowledge.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
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The classic mother’s motto: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
14 May 2025
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Carey’s motto is often that the item itself doesn’t change.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Noun
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John Cho proving the old adage that everyone is hotter in sunglasses, James Ransone reprising elements of Ziggy Sobotka as a thrills-chasing thief, and John Mulaney losing his temper when someone misquotes Stephen Sondheim.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2025
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The bigger-is-better adage is one that the world’s biggest cruise lines — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line among them — continue to embrace, as one mega-size cruise ship after another rolls down the pipeline on its way from the shipyard to the sea.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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