as in sayings
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 maxims
Visitors who travel down a dirt road to The Hollow — named for the hollow-core concrete that made Mellor wealthy — can enter the compound through a dark, cavernous passage lined with neon signs illuminating maxims from the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Flynn.
—
Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxims
Noun
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Amish are part of the wider Anabaptist movement, which puts heavy emphasis on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, containing some of his most radical and counter-cultural sayings — to love enemies, live simply, bless persecutors, turn the other cheek and to endure sufferings joyfully.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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The Workers’ Party of Korea is the sole ruling party of North Korea, blending communism with the words, sayings and ideals of the Kim dynasty, who have imposed their authoritarian rule on the country for three generations.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The lyrics, some inspired by proverbs and biblical passages, convey the fervor of his first love with God, without losing his personal touch.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
17 Oct. 2025
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Reading Proverbs did not manage to enlighten me to the possibility that my parents’ rules were devised in my best interest.—
Meghan O’Gieblyn,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There would be no breakup, no hard words, no goodbyes.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
2 Nov. 2025
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As Guerrero finished, Bichette stepped to his locker, uttering his final few words, too.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxims.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxims. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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