Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for threadbare. Search instead for schwenkbare.
Definitions

threadbare

[thred-bair] / ˈθrɛdˌbɛər /
ADJECTIVE
worn, frayed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
faded ratty scruffy shabby shopworn tacky tattered
WEAK
beat up damaged dilapidated dingy dog-eared down-at-the-heel frowzy impaired injured old ragged run down seedy timeworn used used-up worn-out worse for wear
Antonyms
WEAK
fresh new unused unworn
ADJECTIVE
trite, corny
Synonyms
STRONGEST
musty stale
WEAK
banal bathetic cliché cliché-ridden clichéd common commonplace conventional dull everyday familiar hackneyed imitative moth-eaten overused poor set stereotyped stock tedious tired uncreative well-worn worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
new
WEAK
fresh unused unworn

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.

The transfer will be a huge boost to Glasner, who said his threadbare side were in "survival mode" following Thursday's 1-1 draw with Fulham.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

The club were left with a threadbare squad in the summer after Josh Windass and Michael Smith walked away from their contracts.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Lately, it seems, the risk-averse screenwriting rules of what-should-happen-by-which-page that have steered Hollywood movies for far too long are feeling especially threadbare.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

Bringing my “whole self” to every moment left me threadbare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Helene hands me a threadbare blanket, and I pull it over the girl, knowing how futile it is.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.