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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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 Reflexa cements Danny Ocean as an artist who can deliver pop hits without having to rely on lyrics that are trite or borderline cheesy. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 3 May 2024 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 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
  • The same tired thoughts, predictable excuses, and familiar limiting beliefs play on repeat in your mind, keeping you stuck in patterns that don't serve your growth.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • By the time Odysseus washes ashore, battered and weakened, even her son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), has grown tired of her indecision, hoping to move on from the limbo of waiting.
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But the hackneyed drama hasn’t mustered much enthusiasm from critics or moviegoers, and was unsurprisingly overlooked in the Globes’ best drama category.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near trite

Cite this Entry

“Trite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trite. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!