Thesaurus

threadbare

Q: How does the adjective 'threadbare' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of threadbare are hackneyed , stereotyped , and trite . While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted. // a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

Q: When is it sensible to use 'hackneyed' instead of 'threadbare'?

The words hackneyed and threadbare can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: In what contexts can 'stereotyped' take the place of 'threadbare'?

In some situations, the words stereotyped and threadbare are roughly equivalent. However, stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form. // views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date

Q: When could 'trite' be used to replace 'threadbare'?

The synonyms trite and threadbare are sometimes interchangeable, but trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity. // "you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression

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Synonyms & Antonyms of threadbare

1 showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect

bought a threadbare couch at a garage sale

Synonyms for threadbare

beat-up,
bombed-out,
dilapidated,
dog-eared,
down-at-the-heels
(or down-at-heel also down-at-the-heel or down-at-heels),
dumpy,
grungy,
mangy,
mean,
miserable,
moth-eaten,
neglected,
ratty,
run-down,
scrubby,
scruffy,
seedy,
shabby,
sleazy,
tacky,
tatterdemalion,
tatty,
timeworn,
tumbledown

Words Related to threadbare

Phrases Synonymous with threadbare

gone to seed

Near Antonyms for threadbare

2 used or heard so often as to be dull

a novel filled with nothing but threadbare clichés

Synonyms for threadbare

Words Related to threadbare

twice-told

Near Antonyms for threadbare

Antonyms for threadbare

3 worn or torn into or as if into rags

I loved that threadbare shirt, but after 10 years of wear, it was time to throw it away

Synonyms for threadbare

Words Related to threadbare

dingy,
faded

holey,
patchy

Near Antonyms for threadbare

4 lacking money or material possessions

never knew that she had so many threadbare relatives until she won the lottery

Synonyms for threadbare

Words Related to threadbare

Phrases Synonymous with threadbare

Near Antonyms for threadbare

Antonyms for threadbare

Frequently Asked Questions About threadbare

How does the adjective threadbare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of threadbare are hackneyed, stereotyped, and trite. While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted.

a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

When is it sensible to use hackneyed instead of threadbare?

The words hackneyed and threadbare can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can stereotyped take the place of threadbare?

In some situations, the words stereotyped and threadbare are roughly equivalent. However, stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form.

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

When could trite be used to replace threadbare?

The synonyms trite and threadbare are sometimes interchangeable, but trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.

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