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.

“I know that’s a cliche way to say things, but … he was going to do what Victor was going to do.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Bernardo: I would say that I know it's a bit of a cliche, but don't be afraid of failing.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

While everyone on the tour is clearly working at maximum capacity, there's only one person at the front of it all - and what's the old cliche... with great power comes great responsibility?

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

We broke up within a month, and my life became a California cliche: I joined a cult-like spiritual practice with a glamorous Indian guru.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

And so began her heady days full of cliche: she felt fully alive, her heart beat faster when he arrived at her door, and she viewed each morning like the unwrapping of a gift.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing cliche

Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Introductory

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The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 2

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

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