Thesaurus results for APHORISM

aphorism

noun

ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm

Definition of aphorism

as in proverb

an often stated observation regarding something from common experience what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?

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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 aphorism In the face of climate change, such woo woo aphorisms seem ridiculous, naive, and cruel. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 Cruyff came up with many aphorisms over the course of his life. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2026 In romance, Tolstoy’s aphorism about the family is reversed. — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 Politics is no refuge for those allergic to the viral aphorism. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aphorism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism

Noun

That proverb, attributed to everyone from Yogi Berra to a Danish Nobel laureate, springs to mind whenever someone asks me about an upcoming NFL season.

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
An ancient proverb notes that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of proverb

Noun

But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
There’s an old saying in football that the best gig is that of the assistant coach.

— JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of saying

Noun

Presidents across party lines celebrated Dolly Parton on Tuesday following her death, speaking to the country icon’s ability to transcend politics through her work that often spoke louder than words.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
The advance word on his performance here has been very strong.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

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“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of aphorism

noun

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