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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.

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He endorses an aphorism from Arrigo Sacchi, a legendary Italian manager, who described soccer as “the most important of the least important things.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 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

For the first time, the truth of the aphorism “clothes make the man” came home to me.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Greenspan aphorisms such as “irrational exuberance” are now part of the vernacular.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

She claims to inhabit the soul of Albert Camus, and flings around aphorisms about art that fly over Cricket’s head.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026

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


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