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
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Recent Examples of stale
But trading either of them would double as an acknowledgment that Denver’s current template has gone stale.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
And give Stammen credit for mixing and matching the lineup so often, in large part to make sure guys don’t get stale sitting on the bench.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Could the defense go stale with so much returning talent?
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Look, writing off the Twins was stale before the season even started.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
And give Stammen credit for mixing and matching the lineup so often, in large part to make sure guys don’t get stale sitting on the bench.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Could the defense go stale with so much returning talent?
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Look, writing off the Twins was stale before the season even started.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stale
Adjective
-
In some cases, praise took on overtly stereotyped forms: words like 'love' were used disproportionately with female students, while 'powerful' appeared only for Black students.—
Rachel del Guidice,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Latinos are a fundamental part of American history and culture, and one of the largest communities in the United States, yet their presence in Hollywood has long been limited, stereotyped, or overlooked.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As a means of conspicuous consumption the canon is poorly served, but as a destination to explore, as a complicated, contradictory, sometimes boring and often beautiful place, there can be much to be gained through a meander, a perusal, a stroll.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
There are a lot of small, sincere plays that are also very boring.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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The film, which stars Hannah Einbinder as a filmmaker tasked with revamping a tired summer camp horror franchise with its cryptic lead played by Gillian Anderson in tow, is set to make its way to theaters this August.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
-
Each day, after teaching classes for a local extension office, taking online courses and caring for everyone, Denise is just tired.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
One prompted stories of an old cowboy sitting alone on a porch, surveying a ghost town; another prompted stories about a sun rising over a meadow, where tiny creatures awakened and started to frolic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Instead of looking frumpy in an old T-shirt, look polished and refined in this shirt that won’t constrict your movements.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Maybe so, but think of how badly Congress had stated those hackneyed ideas.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While not exactly a feminist screed, the script grants nary a free pass to the glut of hackneyed gender conventions in the golden-age canon without at least cracking a joke.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Eventually, after tiring of The Duchess & I, The Duchess & Me and other similar names, the filmmakers decided to go with My Duchess.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
-
Traveling with a heavy bag can make any journey feel longer and more tiring.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Mexican officials stay unusually quiet about the mission, while weary Havana residents greet the ship with cautious hope that scarce aid will reach children, seniors and the most vulnerable.—
Ariel Fernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Sultry brass and piano spill all over the record, giving the whole affair a weary, second-side-of-Tattoo You vibe.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Scratching high on the bridge, Werner’s splintering fiddle calls to mind the slow, magical hatching of an egg.—
Lily Goldberg,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
-
The better play is slower and pays back forever.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stale. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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