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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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 His trite bromides are typical of showbiz cretins struggling to appear principled. Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025 Another negative for many casual players and critics was the overreliance on trite humor that hadn't evolved much since the early 2010s. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 May 2025 And while the threads all compel individually, the climax, in which Basem declares his determination to redress a past failure, is decidedly trite. Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Like the trite Black Panther, Sinners is just ethnic heresy. Armond White, National Review, 18 Apr. 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
  • Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025
  • The toll on crew members goes far beyond simply being tired.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • This hackneyed stance has turned his concert performances shrill and hollow.
    Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
  • Yet these hackneyed qualities are minor aspects of a production that otherwise can be eye-opening and newly invigorating.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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