truism

noun

tru·ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm

Synonyms of truism

: an undoubted or self-evident truth

especially : one too obvious for mention

To understand the present, we need to know about the past—a truism that is all too often forgotten. —Peter Stansky

truistic

trü-ˈi-stik

adjective

Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

But most politicians are pretty easily replaced, a truism that Moreno reinforced by going public. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026 There’s a long-standing truism in the world of physical attacks that defenders need to succeed every time, but attackers need to succeed just once. — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 There are, however, exceptions to this truism, which brings me to my brief personal list of best movie adaptations of great literature. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026 There’s a truism that all models are wrong, but some are useful. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for truism

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of truism was in 1714

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Browse Nearby Words

trug

truism

truistic

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Truism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

truism

noun

tru·ism ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm

: an obvious truth

truism

noun

Synonyms of truism

Examples of truism in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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