TRITE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

trite

adjective

ˈtrīt

as in stereotyped

used or heard so often as to be dull the speaker offered disappointingly trite sentiments about embracing each challenge as an opportunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date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

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 trite But whatever personal motivation might lie behind the film is impossible to see in the final product — not in its boilerplate depiction of grief, not in its trite evocations of the occult. —

Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 The play-calling was trite, the pre-snap energy was underwhelming, and the offensive line — without Ikem Ekwonu — took a step back. —

Mike Kaye september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 Unoriginal, trite, simplistic, and most of all, obvious? —

John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 There was no explanation, only trite apologies that there were too many qualified applicants that year. —

Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for trite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trite

Adjective

Later, Lenape artist Joe Baker places cutout photographs of his ancestors over the stereotyped images of Native Americans found in the wallpaper.

— Tom McDonough, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025