as in reasonable
formal
relating to what can be known by observation rather than through an understanding of how certain things work
an a posteriori explanation
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Recent Examples of a posteriori
This a posteriori saga gives us a refreshed Raphael, whose psychological acuity feels newly approachable.
—
Roberta Smith, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2020
Roberta Smith, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for a posteriori
Adjective
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In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
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Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things.—
Chandler Fritz,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
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These new loops manufacture demand, legitimacy, and cultural weight—not because of what the content says, but because of how it was engineered a priori.—
Emil Steiner,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Gluting is ranked as the second best left-hander in Illinois in the 2027 class by Prep Baseball Report behind Benet’s Quinn Rooney, who’s a Notre Dame recruit.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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But UConn, usually at its best after making halftime adjustments, immediately fell behind again in the third.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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