1
as in slogan
an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product)
we knew that their claim of giving "the best deal in town" was just a shibboleth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in cliche
an idea or expression that has been used by many people
there's a lot of truth in the shibboleth that if you give some people an inch, they'll take a mile
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 shibboleth
Musk’s willingness to upend auto manufacturing shibboleths has also forced his legacy competitors to seek new efficiencies.
—
WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
Nothing is sacrificed to the shibboleth of good taste.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Far from being a shibboleth of evil, the company is like any other trying to turn a profit in the Western world in 2023, which comes with its own issues and frustrations separate from the ones posited by Kristof in his viral article.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023
Along with the shibboleth that a failure to dominate encourages cop killing, the nineties study helped implant a second myth in police culture as well—that stopping cars is exceptionally dangerous to officers.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for shibboleth 
WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023
Nothing is sacrificed to the shibboleth of good taste.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Far from being a shibboleth of evil, the company is like any other trying to turn a profit in the Western world in 2023, which comes with its own issues and frustrations separate from the ones posited by Kristof in his viral article.
—Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023
Along with the shibboleth that a failure to dominate encourages cop killing, the nineties study helped implant a second myth in police culture as well—that stopping cars is exceptionally dangerous to officers.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for shibboleth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shibboleth
Noun
-
Masked militants appeared at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza.—
WAFAA SHURAFA, SAMY MAGDY, MELANIE LIDMAN AND SAM MEDNICK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
arkansasonline.com,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Masked fighters appeared at some celebrations, where crowds chanted slogans in support of them, according to Associated Press reporters in Gaza.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
For Butler and the Heat the relationship has devolved to the seeming point of cliche.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2025
-
On campus, Landow’s impact has gone beyond the bigger, stronger, faster cliches attached to most strength coaches.—
Pete Sampson,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
One of Them Days’ studio, Sony Pictures Entertainment—which released the film under its Tri-Star Pictures banner—follows more of a set pattern.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
The Berlinale Series Market has unveiled its 2025 lineup, featuring 17 international series under its Market Selects banner.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
This has been a truism around the Bulls since the organization drafted him in 2020.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Jan. 2025
-
That said, there are guideposts and truisms that will give many savers a good shot at getting it right, experts said.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Pat Riley or the Heat can soften their stance with platitudes going forward, but the only response that would resonate would be an extension, or agreement to work out a new deal in the offseason.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2025
-
The best leadership books for women tackle the complexities of professional advancement head-on, moving past platitudes to deliver concrete strategies for specific challenges.—
Cynthia Pong, JD,
Forbes,
28 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The two-dimensional characters communicate in bromides; Lena’s fellow privates, who suffer from the laziest defining characteristics (coarse Southern gal, proper preacher’s daughter, New Yorker), are the worst offenders.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
6 Dec. 2024
-
In place of triumph-of-the-human-spirit bromides, though, what the book delivers is its own kind of cinema, harsh and true.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
8 July 2024
Noun
-
Choi is familiar with these tropes as he’s appeared in so many dramas.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Running is a sport packed full of lessons and motivational tropes.—
Kieran Alger,
WIRED,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
With twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, these markets promise an enchanting experience for all who visit.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
-
Like the aroma of roasted American chestnuts, a pipedream because a fungal blight rendered the trees extinct.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
16 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to shibboleth
Thesaurus Entries Near shibboleth
Cite this Entry
“Shibboleth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shibboleth. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share