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

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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 Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof. Elyse Durham, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
  • But Bluey’s comforted when Calypso tells her a proverb about a farmer who trusts everything will turn out the way it’s meant to be.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Whitaker nicknamed the place Sparrow Hall, a reference to a medieval saint’s proverb about a sparrow who flies over a royal banquet, feeling only a brief moment of warmth.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Prioritize Continuous Education To Build Inclusive Leadership Skills The saying goes that knowledge is power; as such, inclusive leaders already know that one of the tenets of success is continuous education.
    Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But as the saying in Hindi goes, you’re not allowed to be offended on Holi. Covered in yellow, a woman celebrates on the outskirts of Amritsar.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Investigators say a man approached a group of people on a sidewalk and exchanged words before a weapon was fired, FOX 5 reported.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The words would be heard many times at Southside Park and in Sacramento streets as the day honoring Chavez’s legacy unfolded.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But as the man who lived the city’s motto, ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’, his god-like aura shines as brightly as ever.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Chard told Fox News Digital that there’s one other rule that hasn’t changed as Kate focuses on her health and future – the old motto of keep calm and carry on.
    Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The old adage is that moms have eyes in the back of their heads, but a new study shows that women in general may also have more sensitive hearing.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • But that adage doesn’t go nearly far enough to convey the enormity of the likely fallout from US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a colossal set of new tariffs on America’s trading partners.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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