stereotypical

American  

[ster-ee-uh-tip-i-kuhl, steer-] / ˌstɛr i əˈtɪp ɪ kəl, ˌstɪər- /

Also stereotypic

adjective

1. portraying a simplified and standardized conception or image, often one that is construed as derogatory.

   She is frustrated by the shallow and stereotypical roles that she is offered as an Asian actor.

   The stereotypical environmentalist is a white dude wearing sandals and tie-dye.

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Other Word Forms

• nonstereotypic adjective
• nonstereotypical adjective

Etymology

Origin of stereotypical

stereotyp(e) ( def. ) + -ical ( def. )

Example Sentences

These had to feel like real people with stereotypical flair, teenagers who were boxed into a category simply because that’s what high school social politics demand.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

Usually engaged in anodyne activities, they present idealized versions of childhood: full of stereotypical sweetness, innocence and light.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

He says the film gave the brothers an opportunity to challenge stereotypical representations of Nigeria.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

"Queer characters are often flat, one-sided and stereotypical," but the leads in "Heated Rivalry" are "complex," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

What he means is that most people, in order to feel okay about who they are and where they stand in relation to others, automatically group everyone into stereotypical little bunches.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Related Words

• archetypal
• characteristic
• common
• customary
• ordinary
• prototypical
• stereotypic
• stock
• traditional
• typical
• usual