Synonyms for

Maxim

Verb / ˈmæksʌm / Another word for maxim — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A short statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

Synonyms & similar words

axiom sirhiramstevensmaxim maxim saying proverb aphorism adage motto dictum truism rule guideline precept principle maxime gnome watchword catchphrase byword cliché platitude commonplace truism

Synonyms by register

Formal

aphorism adage dictum precept

Informal

motto rule of thumb guideline principle

Literary

epigram proverb

Antonyms

contradiction fallacy misconception untruth error absurdity

Common collocations

  • follow a maxim
  • live by a maxim
  • a simple maxim
  • a guiding maxim
  • a well-known maxim
  • the maxim states
  • a moral maxim

Word family

noun maxim

Usage note

A maxim is a concise statement of a principle or rule of conduct. It is often presented as a general truth or a self-evident proposition.

Example sentences

  1. My mother's maxim is to always be kind to others.
  2. The maxim 'time is money' is often used in business.
  3. The teacher taught the students a maxim about hard work.
  4. The company's maxim was to always put customers first.
  5. The maxim 'practice makes perfect' is good advice for musicians.

Quotes

  • The maxim, 'Nothing prevails but perfection', may be spelled PARADOX. -Ambrose Bierce
  • The maxim of the British people is 'Business as usual.' -Winston Churchill
  • The maxim 'Nothing but perfection' may be spelled 'Paralysis.' -Winston Churchill

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