truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce truism (audio)
Synonyms of truismnext
: an undoubted or self-evident truth
especially : one too obvious for mention
To understand the present, we need to know about the past—a truism that is all too often forgotten. —Peter Stansky
truistic
trü-ˈi-stik How to pronounce truism (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of truism

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Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There’s a truism that all models are wrong, but some are useful. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 His deep arsenal gives him a chance to handle a truism of the craft. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 8 May 2026 This is certainly true—and a rather banal truism. — The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 But the proof cannot just come from the people selling the product — a truism across the whole of AI. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for truism

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truism was in 1714

Browse Nearby Words

trug
truism
truistic
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Cite this Entry

“Truism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

truism

noun
tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce truism (audio)
: an obvious truth

More from Merriam-Webster on truism

Nglish: Translation of truism for Spanish Speakers

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