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Showing results for threadbare. Search instead for vorzeigbare.
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.

European allies might join the U.S. in defending the Strait, but their navies are already threadbare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

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

Years of squeezed spending in some areas leaving some parts of the public services threadbare.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

The case against her was threadbare, a product of postwar rancor, false testimony and manipulative journalists who had preyed on her naivete.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

I wore a threadbare coat that bore grease stains on the arms, and my cheeks were smudged brown with dirt and grime.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing threadbare

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List 4

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