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
-
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
-
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 use of the words 'genocide' or 'acts of genocide' to describe what is happening in Gaza is no longer debated by international legal experts or human rights organizations.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
29 May 2025
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Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Noun
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For that to be the case, though, their best player has to be able to play and perform utilizing that same motto.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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That’s not the only team motto that can be found on the ring, though.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 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 2 Jun. 2025.
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