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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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 From its humble, almost trite beginnings to fighting for humanity’s survival on a galactic scale, Gunbuster delivers on all of it and never disappoints for even a single frame. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 There comes a time, however, when money talk grows trite even among best friends. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025 Rehabilitation robotics is a field where science fiction meets reality, which probably sounds a bit trite these days, given all the technological advancements we’re regularly exposed to. New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025 Its first season felt like a preamble – slow and trite. New Atlas, 6 Mar. 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
  • Some victims are already tired of fighting this fight.
    Ashley Belanger – May 19, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
  • Susan Shalabi was exhausted - tired of traveling halfway around the world from Amman to Asuncion, tired of fighting against the soccer establishment.
    Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Its baleful guitar and hackneyed vocals make the average doubts shared by everyone who has ever been in love seem generic.
    Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

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