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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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 of trite in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web 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 Such immature, film-buff self-mythologizing is partly to blame for the trite politics in Killers of the Flower Moon and the insufficient sociology in The Irishman. Armond White, National Review, 19 July 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
  • What is known is that by having the catcher reach his glove too close Shohei’s swinging bat, Mookie Betts was able to come to the plate against a tired pitcher who was forced to challenge him with no room for error.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • After exploring in sub-zero temperatures, put time aside to ease tired muscles in one of the city’s chic spas.
    Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on trite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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