maxim

noun

ˈmak-səm How to pronounce maxim (audio)
Definition of maximnext
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

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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 Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 But looking across the span of the past decade, the maxim about rookie tight ends makes sense. — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026 That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. motto
  5. adage
Noun
  • In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • Isn’t the saying that a tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend?
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That saying, however, turns out to be true on a number of levels, with an increasing volume of research supporting the statement.
    — Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • The season isn’t over yet, but Bethune has one word to describe her first year in Kansas City so far.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Karl also asked Moore to share a few words that came to mind about other potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • This year your motto is ‘An Eye for It,’ to spotlight your unique cultural curation remit.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • And now there are secrets that are imparted during the rituals, like the secret of what the meaning of the motto is, and that sort of thing.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of motto
Noun
  • The old adages about rivalry games rang true on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And, in the case of the continent’s richest man Aliko Dangote, the conflict has proven the old adage that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of adage

Browse Nearby Words

maxillae
maxim
maxima
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Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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