Definitions

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.

Cliche time, but this just doesn't feel like a friendly.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2024

Cliche and misconceptions aside, all the experts I spoke to see it as a decent representation of concerns people had about reproductive genetics and eugenics.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2022

Cliche warning: All the prevent defense does is prevent you from winning.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2021

Cliche phrases such as “old habits die hard” became so popular because this type of change can be exacting, cumbersome and fickle.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2016

Cliche came ready to his lips, but his mind was elsewhere.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

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!