trope

noun

ˈtrōp How to pronounce trope (audio)
Definition of tropenext
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

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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 trope The cancellation of Not Suitable for Work raises questions about the viability of series that bet on largely unknown young actors and do not follow the conventional YA romantic tropes. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Authorities found a note on Karmelo Anthony's phone with a long list of disturbing racial tropes and slurs about Blacks, whites and Hispanics. — J.d. Miles, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Consider ordinary supernatural tropes absolutely wrecked while Faust treats history itself like a stubborn poltergeist. — Shane Hawk, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 The scientist who is compelled by an unstoppable need to know, despite being aware of the danger, is a familiar trope in sci-fi and horror novels and films. — Carline Tromp, The Dial, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trope
  1. truism
  2. commonplace
  3. platitude
Noun
  • Wars cannot be fought on ideology alone – a truism that perhaps led to the firebrand former defense minister’s departure, after months of clashes and refusing to deal with the army top brass, as Zelensky describes it.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But most politicians are pretty easily replaced, a truism that Moreno reinforced by going public.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of truism
Noun
  • Wolff was only the eighth woman to drive a Formula 1 car (four more have done it since); the role, a now-commonplace one that includes driving the simulator during Grand Prix weekends to inform trackside strategy, was created for her.
    — Danielle McNally, InStyle, 28 May 2026
  • The videos are often integrated into larger montages of drone strikes, underscoring how commonplace these drones have become for Russian forces.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Definition of commonplace
Noun
  • In between some of the manager’s more clip-worthy quotes, there were more of his usual — and not incorrect — platitudes.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • And no, this isn’t the typical platitude a coach might share retroactively, after a former player becomes an all-time great.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of platitude

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troops
trope
tropes
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Cite this Entry

“Trope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trope. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trope

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trope

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