as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
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Recent Examples of aphorism
The marketing taglines that bear the same force and resonance as elders’ aphorisms: 1010 WINS, American Express, Calgon.
—
Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The dollar, on the other hand, is everyone’s problem, to paraphrase an aphorism from John Connally, the former U.S. Treasury secretary.
—Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2022
Ben Whishaw, shot in black and white, says his name is Arthur Rimbaud and speaks in aphorisms to some unknown interlocutor.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
There is an aphorism in football that goals win games, but defence wins titles.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
The dollar, on the other hand, is everyone’s problem, to paraphrase an aphorism from John Connally, the former U.S. Treasury secretary.
—Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2022
Ben Whishaw, shot in black and white, says his name is Arthur Rimbaud and speaks in aphorisms to some unknown interlocutor.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
There is an aphorism in football that goals win games, but defence wins titles.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
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The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
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But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This saying certainly comes into play plenty when referees spot the ball either past or before the first down marker.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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That’s because in this new age of on-again, off-again tariffs, there’s no saying when your package will be delivered — if at all.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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During the Ash Wednesday homily, which had been prepared for the pontiff, the substitute celebrant opened with words of solidarity and gratitude for Francis.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
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Even Marquette coach Shaka Smart, as time ran out on UConn’s 72-66 victory, had kind words.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And Jim came up with a maxim for the ones about politics.—
Al Franken,
TIME,
12 Feb. 2025
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Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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