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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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 Compared to Putin’s attempts at world domination, this feels like trite stuff. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 While that might seem like a trite explanation, there is no succinct way to describe the transformative encounter that begins upon entry into the venue’s atrium, which welcomes viewers into the Land of Oz with Sphere-typical grandiosity. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025 In a world replete with trite beer pairings, the duo manages to turn old tropes on their head with plenty of panache. Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 25 July 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
  • More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The story revolves around this character in ways that feel hackneyed and forced.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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