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

Relevance

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 That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 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 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 maxim may not hold up this year. Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
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
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
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
Noun
  • That has been Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s motto since the late director and College of DuPage educator Craig Berger founded the equity ensemble 40 years ago.
    Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That's The Post's motto, which can be seen in Instagram-able fashion on a parking lot mural behind The Post's original Germantown digs.
    Bob Vitale, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Chefs are fond of saying that the culinary business is in their blood, but for Alex Kuk, the adage rings true.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The old football adage about teams making their biggest improvements between their first and second games might not apply in the NFL preseason, when personnel are constantly being shuffled in and out of the action.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!