Definition of maximnext
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 Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 But looking across the span of the past decade, the maxim about rookie tight ends makes sense. — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026 That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
  • In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Put junk into it, and more junk will come out, as the saying goes.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Last week, during a state banquet for Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at Windsor Castle, the King quoted a hadith, a saying of the prophet Muhammad, in Arabic.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rifugio, the Italian word for shelter or escape, opened in 2025 to provide a community space with a focus on fitness and self-care.
    — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Those three words were repeated over and over in the first half of Carolina’s 26-21 loss to the Denver Broncos in Bank of America Stadium.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The players created a motto of GAS — grit, accountability and sisterhood.
    — Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The solid silver case, decorated by renowned Flemish engraver Gérard de Heck, features scenes from Lucas Chapter X, the royal coat of arms of King James I, and the royal motto.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That sports adage could easily describe Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker’s decision to sign WNBA star Caitlin Clark as their first brand partner.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The adage that truth is stranger than fiction was on full display.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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