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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Recent Examples of maxim
For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all.
—
Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
Noun
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It’s been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story.—
Jann E. Freed,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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The Giants have one of the least-talented and most expensive offensive lines in the entire NFL There's an old NFL proverb that suggests games are won and lost in the trenches.—
Geoffrey Knox,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Remember the old saying: Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
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As the saying goes, crisis represents both danger and opportunity.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Embrace Personal Accountability Being credible and responsible means keeping your word and following through on your promises in a timely manner.—
Cheri Rainey,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Describing Seabreeze Craft Chocolates’ limited edition Dubai Chocolate Sandwich Cookies in words is a humbling exercise.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Kotb's work motto, written on an office wall, alludes to the names of her daughters.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
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And as time went on, more people — fans, media, announcers — latched on to the motto, using it as a taunt when the opportunity arose.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
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As the old adage goes, the early bird gets the worm—the same can be applied to snatching up the best Prime Day beauty deals!—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
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The old adage is that two heads are better than one.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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