stereotyped 1 of 2

Definition of stereotypednext

stereotyped

2 of 2

verb

past tense of stereotype
as in popularized
to use so much as to make less appealing Movies have stereotyped the domineering mother-in-law ad nauseam.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stereotyped differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stereotyped are hackneyed, threadbare, and trite. While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form.

views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date

In what contexts can hackneyed take the place of stereotyped?

While in some cases nearly identical to stereotyped, hackneyed stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless.

all of the metaphors and images in the poem are hackneyed

When would threadbare be a good substitute for stereotyped?

The synonyms threadbare and stereotyped are sometimes interchangeable, but threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted.

a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

Where would trite be a reasonable alternative to stereotyped?

Although the words trite and stereotyped have much in common, trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.

"you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression

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 stereotyped
Adjective
At the time, Latinos were often cast in stereotyped roles with heavy accents and largely denied the opportunity to direct features. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Tragedies can be examined by those outside of its sphere of destruction, but the groundswell of feeling from Mexican viewers and critics is that there was little or no care taken to understand the cultural grief beyond stereotyped spectacle. Lucy Ford, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
Although dogs and cats are often stereotyped as natural enemies, animal behaviorists say that, with proper introductions and a calm environment, these species can form deep and lasting bonds. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 For decades, the profession has been stereotyped as a world of calculators and spreadsheets, quietly humming in the background of business. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stereotyped
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stereotyped
Adjective
  • Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is actually better than some of the hackneyed rom-coms Reiner muddled through, a coming-of-age story about two kids’ pseudo-love story from grade school through middle school.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
  • On the first real mission in the jungle region of Fury Green, Samus encounters a Galactic Federation technician named Myles Mackenzie who, from his reveal in the pre-release previews, became a sticking point for fans due to his hackneyed sidekick trappings.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The rousing trailer finds Prince Adam bored to death hiding out at a generic corporate desk job on Earth when his precious sword is discovered, which sends him on a wild odyssey back to the land of Eternia and its talking tigers, spaceships, gothic castles, and magic swords.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Crews bored tunnels about 300 feet down into a suction chamber so six pumps, each with a 6-foot diameter, can pull water up from the 2-mile tunnel.
    Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After which, dogs and humans being buried together became commonplace.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • But the book cannot credit Boone with commonplace human thoughtfulness.
    Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • So, if the idea of culture is overused, its importance tells the path to success — or failure.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
  • Lastly, Abbas notes that, like any exfoliant, citric acid can cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity if overused or used in very high concentrations.
    Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Activities and Experiences While the hotel’s spa and its saunas should be an obligatory daily stop, there is plenty to do in the area.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Not always—especially if a recipe feels extravagant in an obligatory way.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Montoya Sanchez said the protest was organized internally by the families exhausted by the long detention and conditions that advocates say have included food with worms, constant illness and insufficient medical access.
    Valerie Gonzalez, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • With costs accelerating and incremental fixes exhausted, healthcare is approaching a breaking point.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Only a few years after her 21st birthday extravaganza, Paris Hilton had been overexposed.
    Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Film, even if it’s overexposed, underexposed, or correctly exposed, has a unique quality to it.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stereotyped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stereotyped. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stereotyped

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!