1
as in slogan
an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product)
we knew that their claim of giving "the best deal in town" was just a shibboleth
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2
as in cliche
an idea or expression that has been used by many people
there's a lot of truth in the shibboleth that if you give some people an inch, they'll take a mile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shibboleth
But for those who remain beholden to the shibboleths that once justified that act of national self-harm, the Times’ acknowledgment of the obvious might be valuable.
—
The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024
Musk’s willingness to upend auto manufacturing shibboleths has also forced his legacy competitors to seek new efficiencies.
—WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
Nothing is sacrificed to the shibboleth of good taste.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Far from being a shibboleth of evil, the company is like any other trying to turn a profit in the Western world in 2023, which comes with its own issues and frustrations separate from the ones posited by Kristof in his viral article.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for shibboleth
The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024
Musk’s willingness to upend auto manufacturing shibboleths has also forced his legacy competitors to seek new efficiencies.
—WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
Nothing is sacrificed to the shibboleth of good taste.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Far from being a shibboleth of evil, the company is like any other trying to turn a profit in the Western world in 2023, which comes with its own issues and frustrations separate from the ones posited by Kristof in his viral article.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for shibboleth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shibboleth
Noun
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Golden Lessons for Brands Everywhere Briggs & Riley’s enduring success offers critical lessons that reach far beyond the luggage sector on the importance of delivering on brand promise: Substance wins over slogan.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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The slogan refers to a change in the constitution that would likely be necessary for Trump to run again, as presidents are currently barred from holding office for more than two terms, after President Franklin Roosevelt ran for four.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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All while staying far, far away from the tropes and cliches associated with your typical medical drama.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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His candor bucks convention, running against the constant cliches or coachspeak from his counterparts.—
Chandler Rome,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Producers also include Angi Bones and Tony Strickland under the Tyler Perry Studios banner.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2025
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Comcast provides its services under the Xfinity brand, while Charter’s products are under the Spectrum banner.—
Russell Leung,Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There’s a truism that outdoor dining was the one most visible silver lining of COVID’s disastrous impact on the city, and that seems plainly so.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2025
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This isn’t a Giants-specific truism, so the early returns can be meaningful, even in a small sample.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, too often, sales kickoffs fall short of their potential, becoming mere exercises in rote presentations and motivational platitudes.—
Anjai Lal,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Will Goldenvoice apologize — not just with corporate platitudes, but with meaningful action?—
Lee Trink,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But Lee, wise to how the heart stutters, didn’t pander to audiences with bromides like love is love.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Antihistamines to reduce the body’s immune response (e.g., diphenhydramine) Bronchodilators to open the airways (e.g., albuterol or ipratropium bromide and albuterol) Your healthcare team will continue to assess your health status and give additional medications if needed.—
Carrie Madormo, RN,
Health,
19 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Escala Forma Miami’s tropical tropes are all used at once, and to great effect, within this living room by local studio Escala Forma.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2025
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The first half is telling the love story that on the surface it’s meant to be about, which draws people in — using all of the tropes of romantic stories at the pop culture level.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There’s that scene with the jujubes and chestnuts in the ceremony and people not knowing which one represents sons and daughters.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
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My pocket guide said its fruits taste like chestnuts.—
Dina Mishev Max Whittaker,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shibboleth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shibboleth. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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