Synonyms of trope

trope

noun

ˈtrōp 

as in cliché

an idea or expression that has been used by many people

a screenplay that reads like a catalog of mystery-thriller tropes

the narrative trope of two rival characters falling in love by the end of the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cliché
• truism
• commonplace
• platitude
• chestnut
• banality
• saying
• bromide
• proverb
• shibboleth
• groaner
• stereotype
• generalization
• homily
• saw
• party line
• conventional wisdom
• routine
• adage
• simplification
• inanity
• generality
• old wives' tale

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• profundity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trope

The tropes that conceive of Africa, a 54-nation continent, as a tragic problem to be solved. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

There’s also a creepy carnival, which is my favorite autumnal micro-trope (everyone say thank you, Ray Bradbury). — Hannah Whitten, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Sure, Tony goes through yet another rebirth cycle, (as does every hero in their origin story film), but the film’s cheekiness makes that trope feel fresh and fun once again. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Early on, Midland did such a precise job reviving country tropes that their songs almost sounded like parodies. — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 3 Aug. 2026