maxim

noun

ˈmak-səm How to pronounce maxim (audio)
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

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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 Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The walls are robin’s-egg blue, painted with images of meditating skeletons and vaguely inspirational maxims. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 But looking across the span of the past decade, the maxim about rookie tight ends makes sense. — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026 That line is more than a practical outdoor maxim. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maxim
  1. proverb
  2. saying
  3. word
  4. motto
  5. adage
Noun
  • In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of proverb
Noun
  • As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people, and Pam hurts a whole lot of people.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Carnegie Hall seats well over 3,000 people, but this intense, no-frills performance film gives life to the old saying about feeling alone in a crowd.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of saying
Noun
  • Their responses were not edited and are in the candidates’ own words.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Noun
  • This year your motto is ‘An Eye for It,’ to spotlight your unique cultural curation remit.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • And now there are secrets that are imparted during the rituals, like the secret of what the meaning of the motto is, and that sort of thing.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of motto
Noun
  • Movie theater operators are hoping the adage proves true as four new movies aim to bolster the October box office.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The adage goes that a series doesn’t start until the home team loses, so the Dodgers will have their chance to hold serve as the NLCS shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3, 4 and (if necessary) 5.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of adage

Browse Nearby Words

maxillae
maxim
maxima
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maxim. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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