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
Plus, the stereotype of hoodie-wearing twentysomethings building unicorn companies is largely a founder myth. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 July 2026 The singer has become known for performances that subvert stereotypes and expectations related to American cowboy mythology. — Bryan West, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Verb
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 In crime coverage, journalists should create equity by being cognizant of correcting any coverage trends that privilege white groups over people of color, especially stereotyping Black and Latino men as violent. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 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
  • Out of hundreds of entries around the world, the park’s design won first-place in the World Landscape Architecture Awards public design concept category.
    — Noah Daly July 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
  • And the collective’s street art, films and installations have used the concept of non-native species to explore how modern human society interacts with nature and animals.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
Definition of concept
Verb
  • Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
  • Although the word ‘hero’ is greatly overused in today’s society, in my mind, Calvin Duncan is a hero in the truest sense of that word.
    — Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of overuse
Noun
  • This followed a common scholarly notion that Maya hieroglyphics were not tied to spoken language.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 July 2026
  • Hawk repeatedly challenged the notion that success represents a destination.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • Fertility is a particularly vulnerable aspect of health, and people are often eager to try whatever offers a better chance at conception and a healthy pregnancy, Kawwass said.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Decatur said the exhibition’s curators had always intended to showcase the Larry O’Brien Trophy and had even contacted the NBA two years ago, during the show’s conception, about acquiring it temporarily.
    — Tessa Solomon for ARTnews, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Definition of conception
Verb
  • The sandwiches don’t need to be boring in order to be quick and simple — consider gyros.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • If this all sounds boring compared to adding Skubal to a rotation that’s full of star power when healthy, that’s by design.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of bore
Noun
  • What began as a weeklong music camp eventually turned into year-round educational programming, where students learn songwriting, music theory, recording and live performance before showcasing their work on the festival stage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 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 1 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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