as in notions
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in overuses
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 stereotypes
Melinda Laituri, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
According to its website, the group was founded in 1999 to provide accurate information about Islam to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Their goal is to end stereotypes by showing Latinos can authentically play any role—heroes, complex villains, or leaders.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
The show highlights curiosity and problem-solving, while quietly breaking down stereotypes about Black people, and expands what kids imagine is possible for themselves.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
This powerful ensemble portrays American stereotypes of the time — the yuppie, the drug dealer, the TV star — and deftly humanizes them.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
The former Orange County congresswoman had played to the worst stereotypes and that was that.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
An ambulatory confection of racist stereotypes, Fu-Manchu appeared in a series of pulp novels and films in the first half of the twentieth century.
—Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Dilbert was joined by a cast of recognizable office stereotypes, including the underappreciated Alice, cynical Wally, and the ineffective Pointy-Haired Boss.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 Jan. 2026
Antonio Ferme, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
But while working mom and trad wife stereotypes reign online and in popular culture, many moms fall somewhere in between those two tropes.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
These words have different meanings in the context of AAVE, some say, and using them in a way that appropriates or stereotypes certain people groups strips away the importance of the original definitions.
—Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
The female landscape, or woman as map, is often used to portray countries as active, aggressive or supine, depending upon the status of the nation state in relation to war and peace and the stereotypes of a country.
—Melinda Laituri, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
According to its website, the group was founded in 1999 to provide accurate information about Islam to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Their goal is to end stereotypes by showing Latinos can authentically play any role—heroes, complex villains, or leaders.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
The show highlights curiosity and problem-solving, while quietly breaking down stereotypes about Black people, and expands what kids imagine is possible for themselves.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
This powerful ensemble portrays American stereotypes of the time — the yuppie, the drug dealer, the TV star — and deftly humanizes them.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
The former Orange County congresswoman had played to the worst stereotypes and that was that.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
An ambulatory confection of racist stereotypes, Fu-Manchu appeared in a series of pulp novels and films in the first half of the twentieth century.
—Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Dilbert was joined by a cast of recognizable office stereotypes, including the underappreciated Alice, cynical Wally, and the ineffective Pointy-Haired Boss.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Coalition for Faith and Media, in partnership with HarrisX, recently launched a research study that found 70% of Americans believe Hollywood stereotypes faith, while 82% say film and TV should prioritize portraying more accurate and complex portrayals of faith and religion.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
But while working mom and trad wife stereotypes reign online and in popular culture, many moms fall somewhere in between those two tropes.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
These words have different meanings in the context of AAVE, some say, and using them in a way that appropriates or stereotypes certain people groups strips away the importance of the original definitions.
—Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stereotypes
Noun
-
Values to be tested Its obsession is also unusual in an industry prone to mission drift, where tech companies are founded on noble notions of improving humanity — before the obligations to investors take over.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
There is also the eternal question of whether designers should create clothes for truly living in, or whether they should be encouraged to think big and present more complicated pieces that challenge everyday notions of style and taste.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s important, since many people make the mistake—both in the gym and daily life—of shrugging their shoulders up to their ears, which overuses the upper traps and elevates the scapula.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Kennard, who like Redick is a Duke alumnus, studied the film packages of offensive and defensive concepts that the team sent him in preparation for his team debut.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Employers increasingly seek candidates who understand AI concepts, can work alongside AI systems, and develop AI solutions.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The invasive beetle bores into wood and kills ash trees by eating tissues under the bark.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
But the patient, grinding work of peace implementation typically bores him.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Farrell and Kidman are outstanding, even as Lanthimos' ritualistic plotting and direction keep them hemmed into their characters' rigid conceptions.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
-
So this was quite a departure from traditional conceptions of the subject.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But freedom of expression is a constant pursuit, as natural as breathing, and silencing it is an imperfect practice that exhausts the oppressor and energizes the oppressed.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Gauff’s movement often exhausts her opponents.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stereotypes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stereotypes. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
