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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of maxim
Here, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share some essential maxims for senior leaders to follow when offering feedback to direct reports, along with why these principles are so useful for providing guidance to build strong, high-performing teams.
1.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
-
According to an ancient Neapolitan proverb, ‘More things happen in a day than in an entire century’.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Adding witty sayings to the leaves of handheld fans, Knighten wanted to make a statement with her products in a fun and unique way.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
4 June 2025
-
As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
His words capture a moment of convergence between celebrity advocacy and scientific breakthrough that couldn’t be more timely.—
Greg Licholai MD,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
The guy smiled at that, probably not understanding a goddam word.—
Mike O’Brien,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Marion, 37, has lived that motto, relaying on sports as a positive outlet growing up, having overcome bouts of homelessness as a college football player and throughout his cross-country tours as a fast-rising coach.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
-
Summer’s less is more motto rings especially true when a 90-degree afternoon is forecasted; a mini tank or spaghetti-strap midi will be a reliable choice to take the guesswork out of getting dressed.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
That adage was put to the test for much of Monday’s game at Kauffman Stadium, where the Royals lost 7-4 to the Reds.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
26 May 2025
-
As the adage goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right?—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share