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
La Fontaine’s focus on animals and penchant for moral maxims must have immediately attracted her.
—
Susan Gubar
june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Susan Gubar
june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
-
A certain proverb about glass houses comes to mind.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
-
In other words, the proverb about teaching old dogs new tricks seemed personally apt.—
Thomas Cangelosi,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
There’s more than one way to skin a cat, the saying goes, and there’s also more than one way to make an authentic Trader Vic’s Mai Tai.—
Tony Sachs,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
Star of the show, though, is Satana herself, living up to Russ Meyer’s famous saying: the sweetest kittens do have the sharpest claws.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
The words weren’t written yet and that’s never happened before.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
28 July 2025
-
Because the only way to build a responsible AI future is to build it together. — Erika R. Knierim, senior associate, Founders Law Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Anne’s motto is ‘just get on with it,’ while William always seems concerned with what an event says about the future of the crown.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 July 2025
-
But when Adora meets a handsome man named Digby while at the ballet, her life motto is put to the test.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
However, research shows that the old adage is true: Fortune favors the brave, not the cautious.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
31 July 2025
-
However, beneath those aggregated numbers, a much more nuanced story is unfolding across Manhattan and Brooklyn. To add a qualifier to the old adage: real estate is location, location, location, and price.—
John Walkup,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share