stereotype 1 of 2

noun

Definition of stereotypenext
as in concept
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the noble savage was a stereotype that appealed to 18th-century intellectuals, who viewed European civilization as decadent and corrupt

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stereotype

2 of 2

verb

ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce stereotype (audio)
as in to overuse
to use so much as to make less appealing Movies have stereotyped the domineering mother-in-law ad nauseam.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 stereotype
Noun
Many of my previous columns have stressed the importance of pushing back on the (often negative) stereotypes of aging. — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Haven, in particular, drew many laughs from the audience by playing Lee’s dull boyfriend Peter as a cartoonish surfer boy stereotype. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
Verb
When younger generations don’t have interactions or relationships with older adults having vibrant lives, later chapters of life can be stereotyped as a time of pain, difficulty and loss, Emery-Tiburcio said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 23 May 2026 At a time when younger workers are often stereotyped as quick to abandon jobs that feel difficult or unrewarding, Dimon said discomfort is part of the process. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stereotype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stereotype
  1. concept
  2. overuse
  3. notion
  4. vulgarize
  5. conception
  6. bore
  7. theory
  8. popularize
Noun
  • The researchers demonstrated the concept using signals whose characteristics changed over time, including handwriting and object movement at different speeds.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Share the concept, invite feedback, or organize a group around something worth building.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of concept
Verb
  • While the analogy may be slightly overused, the challenge is that oil still needs to be refined into a useful end product.
    — Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
Definition of overuse
Noun
  • Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei had again poured cold water on the notion of direct negotiations with the United States.
    — Mike Sheen, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Laughter, from the older women, at the notion that this is outdated.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of notion
Verb
  • His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.
    — BostonGlobe.com, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Definition of vulgarize
Noun
  • Natalie’s is tuned to a distant, hierarchical afterlife where God’s love is less of an all-encompassing conception and more of an elusive, enviable prize.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Hamilton’s handprints were all over the project from conception to launch.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
Definition of conception
Verb
  • Outdoor brands like Halfdays, FP Movement, Patagonia, and Athleta have quite frankly never looked better, with cheerful colorways, unique designs, and trail-ready pieces all proving that function doesn’t have to mean boring.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • That said, woodpeckers are attracted to other types of wood-boring insects, and woodpecker activity doesn’t always indicate that borers are present.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bore
Noun
  • Their goal was to test the leading theory, first put forward in the 1980s, that turbulence — the irregular motion of air currents in the atmosphere — caused shadow bands.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Zahary emphasized that LLMs, in his experience, have been valuable in assisting humans in developing new theories or finding answers to problems.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Verb
  • That idea is fairly commonplace now—but that’s because Perel helped popularize it.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • Columbia University mathematician Joan Birman helped to popularize the question about 60 years ago.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of popularize

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Cite this Entry

“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stereotype. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stereotype

Nglish: Translation of stereotype for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stereotype

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