Something that is stale has lost freshness, such as a stale slice of bread, or has lost novelty or interest, such as a stale joke. That crusty old joke may also be described as hackneyed. Something that is hackneyed is commonplace or trite and worn out by overuse. This term is especially used of words, remarks, or styles of expression that are clichéd to the point of seeming lifeless and uninteresting. So synonym seekers beware: while it may be tempting to slather this adjective on a piece of stale bread, hackneyed simply doesn't make sense as a descriptor for brittle day-old baked goods!

To allay something is to put it to rest or to quiet it. This sense of the word is mostly used to talk about laying to rest fear, doubt, suspicion, or anger, possibly by making the emotion seem unjustified. Allay is also used to talk about lessening or mitigating something, such as pain. Soothe is similar (an ointment can soothe sunburned skin, for instance). But a key difference is that soothe is sometimes used to talk about people (rather than their concerns or fears)—and in these cases, it may suggest tranquility and even comfort. A person might be soothed or comforted by a warm cup of tea, for instance, but not allayed.

The verb donate is more specific than give. You can give your payment info to a website or give advice to a friend, but the verb donate instantly suggests supporting a cause or offering help to those in need. To donate something is to present it as a gift, grant, or contribution. This generous verb can be used with or without an object (you can donate clothes or donate to the Red Cross), and is particular to American English.