as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
what does the aphorism "Hindsight is 20/20" mean?
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 aphorism
Ben Whishaw, shot in black and white, says his name is Arthur Rimbaud and speaks in aphorisms to some unknown interlocutor.
—
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
There is an aphorism in football that goals win games, but defence wins titles.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Sports coaches and managers often use mantras and aphorisms meant to inspire.
—John Hughes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.
—Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
There is an aphorism in football that goals win games, but defence wins titles.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Sports coaches and managers often use mantras and aphorisms meant to inspire.
—John Hughes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
Vreeland was a visionary who was revered within the industry, and her personality shines through in all these funny, insightful aphorisms.
—Emma Baxter-Wright, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aphorism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aphorism
Noun
-
The German proverb, roughly translated into English, means: Steady dripping caves the stone.—
Gabby Herzig,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
-
But remember, where there’s fire, there’s smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
As the old saying goes, the best defence is a good offence.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
-
As the old saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make Whiskey Sours.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Waiting for Vance beneath a low arch, in front of a gate that had the words arbeit macht frei set into its ironwork, was Abba Naor, a survivor of the camp.—
Massimo Calabresi/Dachau,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The Supreme Court on Friday temporarily kept on the job the head of the federal agency that protects government whistleblowers, in its first word on the many legal fights over President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda.—
Mark Sherman,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof.—
Elyse Durham,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aphorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aphorism. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share