a posteriori

adjective

Definition of a posteriorinext
as in reasonable
formal relating to what can be known by observation rather than through an understanding of how certain things work an a posteriori explanation

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for a posteriori
  1. reasonable
  2. a priori
  3. good
Adjective
  • What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The argument about competition against girl athletes is a reasonable one, though apparently very limited in number of events and any advantages.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Research into sparse, a priori network topologies, architectures like NeuroFab, start sparse rather than pruning dense networks after training.
    — Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things.
    — Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Definition of a priori
Adjective
  • Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The offense has all the pieces to be one of the league’s best.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of good
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.

Browse Nearby Words

apostatizing
a posteriori
apostle
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Cite this Entry

“A posteriori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20posteriori. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on a posteriori

Nglish: Translation of a posteriori for Spanish Speakers

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