cut-and-dried

adjective

ˌkət-ᵊn-ˈdrīd 

variants or less commonly cut-and-dry

ˌkət-ᵊn-ˈdrī 

: being or done according to a plan, set procedure, or formula : routine

a cut-and-dried presentation

Synonyms of cut-and-dried

• normal
• usual
• ordinary
• typical
• commonplace
• average
• common
• routine

Examples of cut-and-dried in a Sentence

a cut-and-dried session of the convention just to get required business out of the way

Recent Examples on the Web

Michael Swartz, a senior software developer who’s lived in Harwood for nearly 20 years, said the town’s relationship with data centers perhaps isn’t as cut-and-dry as the election results suggest. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

But miscarriage cases are rarely so cut-and-dry, doctors said. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026

There are many ways to make a positive first impression, but Mundelein linebacker Kolton Sydanmaa’s opportunity was pretty cut-and-dried. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Worner said the process is more bureaucratic and cut-and-dried than some might think of a religious process, and likened the process of making a bill into a law. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above