as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
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 aphorism
There is an aphorism in football that goals win games, but defence wins titles.
—
James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Sports coaches and managers often use mantras and aphorisms meant to inspire.
—John Hughes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.
—Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The heartfelt aphorism soon swept the city with analog virality, blanketing the sidewalks in word art more than a decade before graffiti took hold in New York.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aphorism 
James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Sports coaches and managers often use mantras and aphorisms meant to inspire.
—John Hughes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.
—Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The heartfelt aphorism soon swept the city with analog virality, blanketing the sidewalks in word art more than a decade before graffiti took hold in New York.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
-
The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
-
But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
As the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
-
As the old saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sours.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
At the Superdome, the final word was replaced with a man yelping.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Feb. 2025
-
His emails are two words long, to the point and nothing extra.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2025
-
As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near aphorism
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share