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
Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst.
—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
23 June 2026
Decades of experience and the heavy scent of stale papers and bleach hang in the balance between us.
—
Ashley Andreou,
STAT,
22 June 2026
Still, the formula has enough novelty to keep this sequel from feeling entirely stale.
—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Years later, the warmth of these songs helps avoid them feeling too stale.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
23 June 2026
Decades of experience and the heavy scent of stale papers and bleach hang in the balance between us.
—
Ashley Andreou,
STAT,
22 June 2026
Still, the formula has enough novelty to keep this sequel from feeling entirely stale.
—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Years later, the warmth of these songs helps avoid them feeling too stale.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stale
Adjective
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This is a directed, stereotyped behavior in which the highest-resolution region of the somatosensory surface is brought to bear on the object requiring the most detailed analysis.
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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.
Adjective
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Sustainable growth feels boring from the inside.
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The point is to make the boring stuff feel like a hangout, not to build a productivity system.
Adjective
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Hollywood Plot Lines and Reality These are the tired questions every UFO skeptic asks.
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If your complexion tends to look flat or tired by midday, this powder can help bring back some radiance.
Adjective
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On Tuesday night, the New York Post reported that the woman had been identified as Angie Baez, a 40-year-old financial industry executive.
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As for 29-year-old Greenway notched six points in 40 games with the Sabres last season and scored three points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Buffalo during the 2025-26 campaign.
Adjective
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Maybe so, but think of how badly Congress had stated those hackneyed ideas.
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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.
Adjective
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The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.
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The chassis exhibits little flex, the buttons feel crisp and responsive, and the scroll wheel offers enough resistance to feel deliberate without becoming tiring.
Adjective
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Wall Street will be watching to see if Amazon can further cement itself as consumers' to-go destination for everyday essentials at a time when inflation-weary shoppers are focused on value.
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For our weary eyeballs, strained and tired from long periods locked onto screens, rest and relaxation can do wonders.
Adjective
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What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
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Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
Cite this Entry
“Stale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stale. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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