clichés
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pluralof cliché.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
clichénouna trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.
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.
Eve resists scream-queen clichés, but Gemma’s boringly typical tortured backstory is as flat as her wan chemistry with Nick.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
Yes, it’s trite, but most clichés have an element of truth.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
But DC’s latest installment lands like a big hunk of Kryptonite for the dream of a superhero franchise that can transcend the genre’s clichés, Slate’s Dana Stevens writes.
From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026
Certain clichés and hiccups aside, however, “Apex” is spectacular.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
Not just with objective wonder at the rising of a truth, fragmentary or not, up through what often seemed to be an impenetrable mass of prejudices, clichés, and bromides.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
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