ˈstir-
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What is the Difference Between cliché and stereotype?
The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.
Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.
Synonyms
Examples of stereotype in a Sentence
Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
But Morales argues the issue os stereotyping Latinas stems from within the horror genre.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 27 Oct. 2024
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
After intermission, Louis goes to 1930s Hollywood, struggling with the expectation of playing stereotypes on camera for white audiences and palling around with Alpha Smith (Kim Exum, in delightful airhead mode).
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stereotype 
Dictionary Entries Near stereotype
Cite this Entry
“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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stereotype
1 of 2 noun
stereotype
2 of 2 verbMedical Definition
stereotype
noun
ˈstir-
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