What does "cliché" mean?

Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude.

What is a synonym for "cliché"?

Common synonyms include: adages, banal, banalities, banality, boilerplate, bromide.

Cliché

/kliˈʃeɪ/ adj, noun, verb

adj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Noun

1
Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude. rhetoric
"The villain kidnapping the love interest in a film is a bit of a cliché."
2
A stereotype (printing plate).

Verb

1
To use a cliché; to make up a word or a name that sounds like a cliché. ambitransitive
"He clichéd at me. He clichéd at me in a perky, condescending tone."

Adjective

1
Clichéd; having the characteristics of a cliché. proscribed, sometimes

Synonyms

All synonyms

adages banal banalities banality boilerplate bromide

Antonyms

All antonyms

original version authenticity creative creative flair

Example

More examples

"The villain kidnapping the love interest in a film is a bit of a cliché."

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from French cliché.

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