as in theory
formal
an idea or statement put forth and accepted as true by many people
The retired judge recounted the old legal axiom which states that justice and law are not always the same.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples 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 axiom
As for the axiom that Americans hate taxes—which are essential for a sustainable safety net—there was some truth to it in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when revolts against local property taxes were spreading across the country and Ronald Reagan was elected president on a tax-cutting agenda.
—
Lane Kenworthy, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
This may be one of the more underappreciated axioms in the NFL.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024
Yet, as the longstanding axiom goes, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2024
That axiom underpinned all my teaching (two graduate leadership courses, 15 years), leadership advisory (corporate across 25 industries, 27 years).
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for axiom 
Lane Kenworthy, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
This may be one of the more underappreciated axioms in the NFL.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024
Yet, as the longstanding axiom goes, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2024
That axiom underpinned all my teaching (two graduate leadership courses, 15 years), leadership advisory (corporate across 25 industries, 27 years).
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for axiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for axiom
Noun
-
While the triggers for the extreme cold at that time are debated, prevailing theories involve changes in tectonic plate activity, including the release of particles into the atmosphere that reflected sunlight away from Earth.Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
-
One theory is that its effects may have something to do with the drugs’ ability to induce the feeling of satiation.Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
But Trump has signaled a willingness this year to abandon the long-running principle of maintaining the Fed as an independent body.Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
-
The Saudi government convened some 40 countries (not including Russia) in Jeddah in August 2023 to discuss principles for ending the war.Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The 2-1 decision from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to a similar law in Tennessee, which may ultimately determine whether all such state laws around the country can be enforced.Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
-
And in only one case did the delivery person scan the buyer’s ID, as required by federal law.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
By contrast, animation foregrounds the pictorial, which is its own aesthetic doctrine.Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Russia’s nuclear doctrine holds that an attack on any element of its deterrent force justifies a nuclear response.William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near axiom
Cite this Entry
“Axiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/axiom. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share