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trite

adjective
\ ˈtrīt How to pronounce trite (audio) \
triter; tritest

Definition of trite

: hackneyed or boring from much use : not fresh or original
Other Words from trite Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about trite

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Other Words from trite

tritely adverb
triteness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for trite

trite, hackneyed, stereotyped, threadbare mean lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest. trite applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity. "you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression hackneyed stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless. all of the metaphors and images in the poem are hackneyed stereotyped implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form. views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date threadbare applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted. a mystery novel with a threadbare plot

Examples of trite in a Sentence

The wrong sort of built environment, she argued, wrecked the social fabric of cities. This view seems almost trite today, but in the 1960's it was insurgent. — Robert Kuttner, New York Times Book Review, 12 Mar. 2000 Experts are always unique (their tritest pronouncements are packaged as news) … — Wendy Kaminer, New York Times Book Review, 11 Feb. 1990 Its wares are soiled with frequent handling; its styles are so hackneyed, trite, and homogeneous, they constitute a single style … — Joyce Carol Oates, The Profane Art, 1983 That argument has become trite. by the time the receiving line had ended, the bride and groom's thanks sounded trite and tired
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Time and overuse have made trite slogans of King’s words, but Mr. Whitehead re-establishes their true, frightening radicalism by focusing on the centrality of suffering. — Sam Sacks, WSJ, "Fiction: Colson Whitehead Is One of the Finest Novelists in America," 12 July 2019 Such declarations have become trite, but scarcities are recyclable excuses for expanding government: There are so many things that alarmists can be alarmed about possibly becoming scarce and therefore supposedly requiring government rationers. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: Scarcities are recyclable excuses for expanding government," 13 June 2019 Such declarations have become trite, but scarcities are recyclable excuses for expanding government: There are so many things that alarmists can be alarmed about possibly becoming scarce and therefore supposedly requiring government rationers. — George Will, National Review, "The Scarcity Scam," 13 June 2019 But there’s only so much director Derek Critzer can do to make up for bland music and trite lyrics. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "‘Ghost,’ at Theater West End, is pale version of hit movie | Review," 24 June 2019 And given the vast differences in prospect rankings, that seems less like trite GM speak and more like a genuine statement. — Richard Morin, azcentral, "Arizona Coyotes in 'more discussions' at NHL draft than previous years," 20 June 2019 To cast such trite aspersions is like saying that women can’t have long hair the other side of 40. — Longreads, "True Roots," 5 June 2019 Kennedy’s words seemed obvious at the time, even trite. — Kevin Baker, Harper's magazine, "Where Our New World Begins," 10 May 2019 No Exit but with one exit, a trite thematic answer about realizing a foundational trauma: in the end, the tiniest doll at the center of the whole enterprise is Nadia’s troubled relationship with her mother. — The New York Review of Books, "Daniel Drake," 25 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of trite

1548, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for trite

Latin tritus, from past participle of terere to rub, wear away — more at throw entry 1

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More Definitions for trite

trite

adjective
How to pronounce trite (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of trite

: not interesting or effective because of being used too often : not fresh or original

See the full definition for trite in the English Language Learners Dictionary

trite

adjective
\ ˈtrīt How to pronounce trite (audio) \
triter; tritest

Kids Definition of trite

: so common that the newness and cleverness have worn off : stale trite remarks

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More from Merriam-Webster on trite

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trite

Spanish Central: Translation of trite

Nglish: Translation of trite for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trite for Arabic Speakers

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