1
as in stereotyped
used or heard so often as to be dull
viewers were bored by the stale story lines of the new crop of sitcoms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
the sequel is basically a stale remake of the first movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of stale
In turn, Podziemski’s game morphed from something young, fresh, and exciting into a stale loaf of bread, drawing the justifiable ire of Warriors fans everywhere.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
The stale report will probably have no impact on monetary policy.
—Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Regular ventilation replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, especially during cold months when people stay inside more.
—Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
Even strong relationships can begin to feel stale when the novelty disappears.
—Mark Travers, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
The stale report will probably have no impact on monetary policy.
—Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Regular ventilation replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, especially during cold months when people stay inside more.
—Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
Even strong relationships can begin to feel stale when the novelty disappears.
—Mark Travers, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stale
Adjective
-
Kelly Enders-Tharp, a three-time surrogate and education and experience specialist at Growing Generations, explains that surrogates are often stereotyped, or that their backgrounds are misrepresented.—
Kris Ann Valdez,
Parents,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Later, Lenape artist Joe Baker places cutout photographs of his ancestors over the stereotyped images of Native Americans found in the wallpaper.—
Tom McDonough,
Artforum,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This outfit, one of Bessette-Kennedy’s most famous, manages to turn what could feel boring—a plain khaki midiskirt—into a genuine statement.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Children, that great adventure, boring?—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For anyone who’s tired of layering in linen blankets and jute throw rugs, an accordion divider is another excellent option.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Want a worker who always shows up, never says no, never gets sick, and can work without getting tired?—
Caleb Harris,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
All guests, however, must be at least eight years old.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Michael Vaughan went missing from his home in Fruitland in July 2021, triggering a search for the 5-year-old that involved law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels.—
Alex Brizee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the movie drifts into hackneyed melodrama that sits awkwardly against the gritty canvas of terrorist incidents, sniper attacks, bombings and police checkpoints.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Feb. 2026
-
This is actually better than some of the hackneyed rom-coms Reiner muddled through, a coming-of-age story about two kids’ pseudo-love story from grade school through middle school.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Flying can be tiring, but apparently not as tiring as seeing passengers in pajamas – at least according to one airport.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Blennies and gobies are tiring to look at, darting every which way above.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
They’re becoming energized by the change in mood among an extremely weary fan base that’s been subjected to plenty of losing.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Burger King advised local owners not to raise prices for inflation-weary consumers and suggested the investment will drive up sales.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Hegseth’s harsh punishment is the culmination of a long, slow slide that began with a political disagreement.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The company didn’t break out Marni revenues, but Marni’s growth has been slower than that of other OTB labels, Diesel and Margiela, in recent years.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stale. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
