Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

aphorism

[af-uh-riz-uhm] / ˈæf əˌrɪz əm /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The echoing aphorism is apparently nowhere truer than in cavernous Olympic hockey ice arenas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026

The business of America is mainly business, according to the aphorism attributed to President Calvin Coolidge.

From Barron's ● Feb. 20, 2026

I have another aphorism, this one related to automobiles, to keep in mind when planning your retirement: “Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.”

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 5, 2026

In an aphorism sometimes attributed to Leo Tolstoy, sometimes to John Gardner, all literature relies on one of two plots: A person goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.

From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2025

He shared his latest aphorism: “Don’t let go too soon, but don’t hang on too long.”

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

Wittgenstein’s central thesis is bold and bracing, while his gnomic aphorisms invite multiple, contradictory interpretations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 18, 2025

The queen of all she surveys, she speaks in moony aphorisms, is posing for Vanity Fair and orchestrating a fundraising gala, among minor entertainments.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2025

Mostly, it’s a bunch of well-trodden aphorisms, including “Don’t think, just jump,” “Have faith,” and “There’s darkness before the dawn.”

From Slate ● Apr. 23, 2024

With commanding aphorisms and adages, Kalunga tempers Zau’s need for immediate answers.

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2024

He mentioned a dear friend Morrie had, Maurie Stein, who had first sent Morrie’s aphorisms to the Boston Globe.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom




Vocabulary lists containing aphorism


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training