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 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 But the maxim applies in a different way in the documentary Fork in the Road, which made its world premiere Saturday at the Sonoma International Film Festival in California’s wine country. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2026 By now, decades into Americans’ pursuit of cooking as a mainstream hobby, certain maxims have become near-law among food lovers. — Emily Heil, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim

Noun

There’s a football proverb so old that, well, good luck attempting to find its original source.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

The next three chapters offer an anthology of sayings from rabbis who were active in the early centuries of the Common Era, including Hillel and Johanan ben Zakkai, among many other tannaim.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
But the saying also slyly sets the stage for the men’s existential inquiries; in Cool Machine, Pepper and Carney ask themselves the same thing.

— Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of saying

Noun

Skubal seems to comprehend how his performance and his words both hold weight.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Maybe redemption is too strong a word, but with all of this attention on Luke, Joe’s normal-bordering-on-wholesome fling with Kayley is a breath of fresh air.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Definition of word

Noun

The 28-year-old was dressed, much like his other group members in red, black and white, pairing a cool motto jacket with sunglasses.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2026
That’s Lauren Carpenter’s motto about the California State Fair’s cannabis consumption area at Cal Expo.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of motto

Noun

That myth — the adage that tours and festivals featuring all, or even primarily women, aren’t good business — has been around long before the days of Lilith Fair.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
In this context, the old adage has been inverted from don’t judge a book by its cover to judge a reader by the covers on their books.

— Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of maxim

noun

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