Synonyms of shibboleths

shibboleths

noun

plural of shibboleth

1

as in slogans

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slogans
• banners
• mottoes
• watchwords
• catchphrases
• idioms
• clichés
• taglines
• cries
• maxims
• expressions
• catchwords
• battle cries
• war cries

2

as in clichés

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

• clichés
• truisms
• platitudes
• tropes
• bromides
• banalities
• commonplaces
• sayings
• chestnuts
• proverbs
• homilies
• generalizations
• stereotypes
• groaners
• inanities
• party lines
• routines
• adages
• generalities
• saws
• simplifications
• conventional wisdoms
• old wives' tales

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• profundities

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shibboleths

All attuned to the issues that concern younger generations, who refuse to be stratified by shopworn political shibboleths. — James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Brock, like other great chefs of his generation, understand that the cuisines of the South are neither monoliths nor shibboleths. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

The director scores easy laughs off of modern-day progressive shibboleths such as gender-fluid pronouns, trigger warnings and Native American land acknowledgments. — Gustavo Arellano, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026