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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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

Examples 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 Basic, trite, and without any hope for anything better ever happening. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024 Robles embodies the kernel of truth at the heart of the most crucial and trite sports cliché: grit and determination will overcome every obstacle on the path to greatness. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024 Without Ronan's towering talent, The Outrun could easily be a trite addiction drama. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024 This is how Rebel Moon substitutes Lucas’s trite action-serial morality for Millennial distrust of Western civilization. Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trite 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trite
Adjective
  • Chicano artists also critically reexamined stereotyped figures, such as the pachuco and pachuca, and retold current and historic events through artworks that questioned hegemonic narratives.
    Mary Thomas, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019
  • Covino is also tasked with the least comedic role and excels at imbuing his character with enough nuance to be the one actor who transcends the script’s stereotyped trappings.
    Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But towards the end of the day, when everyone is sufficiently tired out, Webb says there's nothing better than sitting down and winding down together.
    Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In difficult listening situations, participants described feeling physically and mentally tired.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Revelations that are supposed to be moving and heartfelt feel hackneyed and clichéd, and it’s not helped by Shyamalan’s amateurish performance.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024
  • Wan bodies the haunted house subgenre here, creating an immersive atmosphere grounded in masterful storytelling and a scrupulous '70s mise-en-scène, one that earns all of its scares by avoiding hackneyed stunts and over-the-top theatrics.
    Danny Horn, James Mercadante, Ilana Gordon, EW.com, 31 July 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near trite

Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

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