as in cliche
an idea or expression that has been used by many people
ended his letter with the overused truism, "You can't win them all!"
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Recent Examples of truism
There is a truism that a good place to live is a good place to visit—and that relationship often creates a virtuous cycle of development.
—
Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
The 2025 session put a bit of a wrinkle in that truism.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Mills was reflecting on a truism of American government that is, usually, true.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
River Of Constant Change This (above) truism was offered by Jonny Williams, chief digital adviser, UK public sector at Red Hat.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for truism
Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
The 2025 session put a bit of a wrinkle in that truism.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Mills was reflecting on a truism of American government that is, usually, true.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
River Of Constant Change This (above) truism was offered by Jonny Williams, chief digital adviser, UK public sector at Red Hat.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for truism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for truism
Noun
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New novels are rightly praised for breaking with traditional forms and criticized for turning to stale formulas and cliches.—
Nathaniel Moore
September 10,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
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Just really not going to sit here and give some cliches.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When asked to divulge what gave him confidence in Volpe long term, Cashman did not point to any specifics but rather platitudes that have not mounted to much success three years into the shortstop’s career.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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These kumbaya platitudes feel out of place when battered and bloody boys are dropping like flies, but that works to the film’s advantage, laying the groundwork for the final rug-pull.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Talking about struggles, both past and present, can make the conversation commonplace and combat some of the fear that may fester in an indecisive personality.—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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And with a rise in pro salaries making skipping college more commonplace for America’s teenage prospects, the landscape has further shifted and opened up.—
Molly Geary,
Sportico.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Instead, Jeffrey Gahler has turned budget hearings into a sideshow by attacking McCord for scribbling a French version of a familiar proverb during an April meeting.—
Aegis reader commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Aug. 2025
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In West African traditions, the drum serves as both a musical instrument and a talking messenger, transmitting proverbs, praises, and official announcements in a language that reinforces the chief’s authority and the community’s history.—
Felicia Appenteng,
semafor.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Truism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/truism. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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