1
: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
Mother's favorite maxim was "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
2
: a proverbial saying
advised her daughter with the maxim "marry in haste, repent at leisure"
Synonyms
Examples of maxim in a Sentence
it's a common maxim that “a watched pot never boils,” but that's not literally true
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Christie’s 20th century evening sale on Tuesday, which totaled $486 million with a sell through rate of 92 percent by value and 83 percent by lot, certainly proved that maxim true.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024
This maxim holds just as true in cyber security as in sports.
—Phillimon Zongo, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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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
Christie’s 20th century evening sale on Tuesday, which totaled $486 million with a sell through rate of 92 percent by value and 83 percent by lot, certainly proved that maxim true.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Nov. 2024
This maxim holds just as true in cyber security as in sports.
—Phillimon Zongo, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for maxim
Dictionary Entries Near maxim
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maxim. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maxim
noun
max·im
ˌmak-səm 
1
: a general truth or rule of conduct
2
: a proverbial saying
Biographical Definition
Maxim 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
Max·im
ˈmak-səm
Sir Hiram Stevens 1840–1916 British (American-born) inventor
Maxim
2 of 2biographical name (2)
Hudson 1853–1927 brother of Hiram Maxim American inventor
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