Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective trite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trite are hackneyed, stereotyped, and threadbare. While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.

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

When would hackneyed be a good substitute for trite?

While in some cases nearly identical to trite, 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 might stereotyped be a better fit than trite?

The words stereotyped and trite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form.

views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date

When could threadbare be used to replace trite?

The words threadbare and trite can be used in similar contexts, but threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted.

a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

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 trite There was no explanation, only trite apologies that there were too many qualified applicants that year. Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 Any writer with a heart in their chest should be able to tell their correspondent they are loved, so why belabor the point with needless visual 🌹emphasis🌹 or trite blowing of kisses? Longreads, 1 July 2025 The orchestral backing is often trite, cycling through the same progressions for what feels like minutes at a time. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 Choose words and phrasing that feel natural and real to you, and avoid trite business jargon. 5. William Arruda, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trite
Adjective
  • Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Susan has lifted us up for 50 years; and her arms have not grown tired.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Discard the tired-looking center and separate clumps from the outer edges by hand or use a sharp knife or pruning saw.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Trauma is not a hackneyed literary trope in the work of Miriam Toews.
    Lorrie Moore, The New York Review of Books, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Similarly, the billionaire-villain forgery subplot and the insertion of romance into team dynamics came across as forced, hackneyed and unnecessary.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

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