cliche

[klee-shey, kli-] / kliˈʃeɪ, klɪ- /

NOUN

overused, hackneyed phrase

Synonyms

WEAK

adage banality boiler plate bromide buzzword chestnut commonplace corn counterword familiar tune motto old story platitude potboiler prosaism proverb rubber stamp saying shibboleth slogan stale saying stereotype threadbare phrase trite remark triteness triviality truism vapid expression

cliché

NOUN

overused, hackneyed phrase

Synonyms

WEAK

adage banality boiler plate bromide buzzword chestnut commonplace corn counterword familiar tune motto old story platitude potboiler prosaism proverb saying shibboleth slogan stale saying stereotype threadbare phrase trite remark triteness triviality truism vapid expression

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Football is a funny old game, as the cliche goes.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

The cliche, 'anybody can beat anybody' in the Premier League is closer to the truth than in La Liga or the Bundesliga.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

“We tried to avoid the chop-socky, punchy cliche sounds you hear in a lot of boxing movies,” Urmson notes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

At the risk of perpetuating a silly cliche, it’s not uncommon to hear people in Los Angeles refer to their psychics or mediums as casually as they refer to their therapists or masseuses.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

You dismiss it as a cliche, but the problem is it’s true.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Vocabulary lists containing cliche

Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Reading: Literature - Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Middle School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!