truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm 

: an undoubted or self-evident truth

especially : one too obvious for mention

truistic

trü-ˈi-stik 

adjective

Synonyms

• banality
• bromide
• chestnut
• cliché
• cliche
• commonplace
• groaner
• homily
• platitude
• shibboleth
• trope

Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”

Recent Examples on the Web

Jelani Cobb an hour ago Kamala Harris’s Fourth Quarter Photograph by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters An old sports truism holds that defense wins championships. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

Illustration: Sam Whitney; Getty Images Cybersecurity truisms have long been described in simple terms of trust: Beware email attachments from unfamiliar sources, and don't hand over credentials to a fraudulent website. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 31 May 2021

For years, past front office regimes have failed to digest this truism, always opting for first round guest spots (the equivalent of fast cash in the NBA) over patient, long-term success. —Mat Issa, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

In the world of corporate carbon accounting, this truism should not be underestimated. —Kate Gaertner, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm 

: an obvious truth