Thesaurus results for MAXIM

maxim

noun

ˈmak-səm

Definition of maxim

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

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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 But, in a democracy, deciding whether the creation of the fund violates the moral maxim that no one can be a judge in his or her own cause ultimately will be up to the people. — Austin Sarat, Fortune, 24 May 2026 But that’s the world’s most popular game in 2026, intent on testing the old coaching maxim that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026 Ash found success by attending revival-style sales conventions and memorizing every smile, wink, and maxim in the Stanley songbook. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 But the maxim applies in a different way in the documentary Fork in the Road, which made its world premiere Saturday at the Sonoma International Film Festival in California’s wine country. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim

Noun

The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Popeye the Sailor Man has been guzzling spinach since 1931 to build muscle, while the apple-a-day advice derives from a 19th-century Welsh proverb.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 May 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of word

Noun

But the old legal adage—that any town too small to support one lawyer is exactly the right size for two—suggests that rival advocates may ultimately direct their primary efforts toward undercutting each other.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
But that just reinforces Samuel Johnson’s adage that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Definition of adage

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maxillae

maxim

maxima

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“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of maxim

noun

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