Synonyms for cliche
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Platitude — something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that…
2. Banality
Definitions
- n. 1
Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude.
The villain kidnapping the love interest is a bit of a cliché.
- n. 2
A stereotype (printing plate).
Forms
- Plural
- cliches → platitudes, tropes, stereotypes, maxims…
Example sentences
- stereotype There is a stereotype of opera singers as being fat.
- maxim He worked in his favorite maxim.
- trope Airships are a common trope in steampunk works.
- platitude That is not just a platitude. I really mean it.
- commonplace Rice and noodles are commonplace in Chinese cuisine.
- banality Tom detests sandwiches because of their banality.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| cliche | falling | |
| stereotype | rising | |
| maxim | steady | |
| trope | rising | |
| platitude | steady | |
| commonplace | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- maxim2, trope
- 7 letters
- bromide2
- 8 letters
- banality4
- 9 letters
- platitude3
- 10 letters
- convention3, stereotype4
- 11 letters
- commonplace3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (maxim2 = 2 syllables).