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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Recent Examples of maxim
Emphasis on quality His allies remembered Taylor for his maxims: The places between the buildings were as important as the buildings themselves.
—
Scott Herhold, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Mandela’s collaborative strength and ability to rally further reinforces this maxim.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
But my one hard-and-fast cooking maxim is: Always wash your blender, immediately.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Scott Herhold, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Mandela’s collaborative strength and ability to rally further reinforces this maxim.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
But my one hard-and-fast cooking maxim is: Always wash your blender, immediately.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite?
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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To butcher a proverb, if Bielsa is for you, who in that corner of England could possibly be against you?—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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This powerful African proverb reminds us that a community of caring individuals—be it relatives, friends, or community members—plays a vital role in raising a child.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
10 May 2025
Noun
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As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2025
-
Final Thoughts There’s a saying in sustainability circles: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is right now.—
Emmanuel Carrillo,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The words take on an emotional second meaning after Todd's death, playing like a farewell message from the actor himself, and that's not by accident.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
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Read every single word, as there will be a pop quiz this week to test your knowledge.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
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The classic mother’s motto: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
14 May 2025
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Carey’s motto is often that the item itself doesn’t change.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Noun
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When describing his country's economics, Navarro drew on a political adage coined by campaign strategist James Carville.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
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Wait a second, the retort goes, the old-time adage is that to the victor go the spoils.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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