as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
Benjamin Franklin's famous epigram, "Remember that time is money"
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Recent Examples of epigram
Her poems of that era — sonnets, epigrams, eminently quotable snippets of rhymed gossip — pulse with the dynamism and attitude of the modern city.
—
A.o. Scott, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Throughout, Snook hams for laughs, turning Wilde’s witticisms and epigrams into slapstick.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
On his plane plastered with Trumpian epigrams, Vance makes the case for Trump’s second-term vision of enhanced executive power.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
No one could tell the clock by him; no one could quote an epigram of his; no one could ever remember his being a friend of their daddy—or even their granddaddy.
—E. L. Doctorow, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Chevalier wrote that the idea for the reports had come from Oppenheimer, who helped to write them and even chose literary references for the epigrams.
—TIME, 8 Mar. 2024
One of the book's epigrams is from Amy Richlin of the University of California, Los Angeles, talking about her experience in the 1970s.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
An epigram for one of his chapters in The Real Anthony Fauci, a quote from C. S. Lewis, offers a hint: Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.
—Matthew Scully, National Review, 16 May 2023
An epigram by any other name .
—Bryan A. Garner, National Review, 15 Sep. 2022
A.o. Scott, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Throughout, Snook hams for laughs, turning Wilde’s witticisms and epigrams into slapstick.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
On his plane plastered with Trumpian epigrams, Vance makes the case for Trump’s second-term vision of enhanced executive power.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
No one could tell the clock by him; no one could quote an epigram of his; no one could ever remember his being a friend of their daddy—or even their granddaddy.
—E. L. Doctorow, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Chevalier wrote that the idea for the reports had come from Oppenheimer, who helped to write them and even chose literary references for the epigrams.
—TIME, 8 Mar. 2024
One of the book's epigrams is from Amy Richlin of the University of California, Los Angeles, talking about her experience in the 1970s.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023
An epigram for one of his chapters in The Real Anthony Fauci, a quote from C. S. Lewis, offers a hint: Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.
—Matthew Scully, National Review, 16 May 2023
An epigram by any other name .
—Bryan A. Garner, National Review, 15 Sep. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epigram
Noun
-
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
-
This powerful African proverb reminds us that a community of caring individuals—be it relatives, friends, or community members—plays a vital role in raising a child.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2025
-
Final Thoughts There’s a saying in sustainability circles: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is right now.—
Emmanuel Carrillo,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The use of the words 'genocide' or 'acts of genocide' to describe what is happening in Gaza is no longer debated by international legal experts or human rights organizations.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
29 May 2025
-
Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Noun
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His announcement was greeted with surprise and then minutes of thundering applause from shareholders — many of whom became millionaires by owning Berkshire stock and hang onto his every financial aphorism.—
Michael J. de la Merced,
New York Times,
4 May 2025
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Apparently, Eric Musselman (not unlike his crosstown rival) has never heard of Harry Truman’s aphorism about where the buck stops.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Epigram.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epigram. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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