THREADBARE Synonyms: 256 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'threadbare' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of threadbare are hackneyed , stereotyped , and trite . While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted. // a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

Q: When is it sensible to use 'hackneyed' instead of 'threadbare'?

The words hackneyed and threadbare can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: In what contexts can 'stereotyped' take the place of 'threadbare'?

In some situations, the words stereotyped and threadbare are roughly equivalent. However, stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form. // views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date

Q: When could 'trite' be used to replace 'threadbare'?

The synonyms trite and threadbare are sometimes interchangeable, but trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity. // "you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression

threadbare

adjective

ˈthred-ˌber

Definition of threadbare next

as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect bought a threadbare couch at a garage sale

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cliche

used or heard so often as to be dull a novel filled with nothing but threadbare clichés

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as in tattered

worn or torn into or as if into rags I loved that threadbare shirt, but after 10 years of wear, it was time to throw it away

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as in impoverished

lacking money or material possessions never knew that she had so many threadbare relatives until she won the lottery

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective threadbare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of threadbare are hackneyed, stereotyped, and trite. While all these words mean "lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest," threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted.

a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

When is it sensible to use hackneyed instead of threadbare?

The words hackneyed and threadbare can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can stereotyped take the place of threadbare?

In some situations, the words stereotyped and threadbare are roughly equivalent. However, stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form.

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

When could trite be used to replace threadbare?

The synonyms trite and threadbare are sometimes interchangeable, but trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity.

"you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression

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 threadbare In the late ’70s, Hooper’s movie had made its way from first-run theaters to the threadbare drive-ins of New England. —

Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 Nonprofits offer a wide but threadbare safety net Across the U.S., nonprofit agencies offer a range of services to people who are homeless, including shelter, housing, rehabilitation, job training and counseling. —

Morvarid Rahmani, The Conversation, 25 July 2024 Johnson was presiding over a threadbare caucus in which a motion against his job was a daily threat. —

Juliegrace Brufke, Axios, 25 July 2024 But, with fears that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might one day spread into other parts of Europe, military officials say the British armed forces remain dangerously threadbare. —

Alexander Smith, NBC News, 5 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for threadbare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threadbare

Adjective

The hotel is founded and managed by locals, who transformed a dilapidated bed-and-breakfast into a six-acre luxury hotel in 2001.

— Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025
They were forced to live in dilapidated buildings with mold, sewage, and rodent issues, and were confined to their rooms for weeks on end.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025