1
: a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference : postulate sense 1
one of the axioms of the theory of evolution
2
: an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth
cites the axiom "no one gives what he does not have"
3
: a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
the axioms of wisdom
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In mathematics or logic, an axiom is an unprovable rule or first principle accepted as true because it is self-evident or particularly useful. “Nothing can both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect” is an example of an axiom. The term is often used interchangeably with postulate, though the latter term is sometimes reserved for mathematical applications (such as the postulates of Euclidean geometry). It should be contrasted with a theorem, which requires a rigorous proof.
Examples of axiom in a Sentence
one of the key axioms of the theory of evolution
Recent Examples on the Web
Read More: Why Trump Didn't Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize
The Russian President is a man who lives by the axiom: give an inch, take a mile.
—
Luke McGee, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
—David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Rob Picciolo axiom of ’98 that a ballplayer shouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens in a game, Cronenworth got a great jump out of the batter’s box, cornered first base precisely and made a crisp slide into second base.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025
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Luke McGee, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
In other words, as Cleveland tore through the league last season, the players responded to most of the milestones reached with a collective shrug and worn axioms about nothing mattering until the playoffs.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
But is that axiom true if someone's only gone a few hours?
—David Oliver, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Rob Picciolo axiom of ’98 that a ballplayer shouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens in a game, Cronenworth got a great jump out of the batter’s box, cornered first base precisely and made a crisp slide into second base.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for axiom
Cite this Entry
“Axiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axiom. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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axiom
noun
ax·i·om
ˈak-sē-əm 
: a rule or principle widely accepted as obviously true and not needing to be proved
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