clichéd
Worn out phrase
Clichéd describes something so overused it has lost its force or originality.
A clichéd phrase like raining cats and dogs once had freshness; now it signals lazy thinking.
Clichéd plots, characters, and images feel predictable: The movie was full of clichéd romantic tropes.
Also spelled cliched.
Overused and unoriginal
- triteOverused, lacking freshness
- banalUnoriginal and dull
- platitudinousOverused and unoriginal
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
formulaic · stereotypical · conventional · stock · copycat · imitative · borrowed · rehashed
Depleted through overuse
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
- overworkedLaboring beyond healthy limits
- threadbareWorn until transparent
- shopwornDeteriorated from display
well-worn · overdone · exhausted · stale · repeated · recycled · regurgitated · warmed-over
Overused phrase or chemical
- truismStatement needing no proof
- chestnutOverused joke or edible nut
- sawPast of perceive
- maximBrief moral principle
catchphrase · buzzword · trope · slogan · soundbite · tagline · mantra · adage
Dull, without depth
- insipidWithout flavor or interest
- flatLacking vertical variation
- blandLacking distinctive qualities
- prosaicLacking imagination or excitement
pedestrian · mundane · lifeless · uninspired · lackluster · colorless · dreary · monotonous
Tiresomely familiar, unfashionable
- timewornDegraded through long existence
- moth-eatenDamaged by insect larvae
- datedOld-fashioned or courted
- passéNo longer fashionable
antiquated · old-fashioned · hoary · musty · fusty · cobwebbed · outmoded · obsolete
hackneyed
Overused and unoriginal
- triteOverused, lacking freshness
- banalUnoriginal and dull
- platitudinousOverused and unoriginal
derivative · formulaic · stereotypical · conventional · stock · copycat · imitative · borrowed · rehashed · secondhand
worn-out
Depleted through overuse
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
- overworkedLaboring beyond healthy limits
- threadbareWorn until transparent
shopworn · well-worn · overdone · exhausted · stale · repeated · recycled · regurgitated · warmed-over · belabored
bromide
Overused phrase or chemical
maxim · catchphrase · buzzword · trope · slogan · soundbite · tagline · mantra · adage · banality
vapid
Dull, without depth
prosaic · pedestrian · mundane · lifeless · uninspired · lackluster · colorless · dreary · monotonous · humdrum
old-hat
Tiresomely familiar, unfashionable
- timewornDegraded through long existence
- moth-eatenDamaged by insect larvae
- datedOld-fashioned or courted
passé · antiquated · old-fashioned · hoary · musty · fusty · cobwebbed · outmoded · obsolete · behind-the-times
clichédoriginal
First or inventive
fresh · novel · innovative · unprecedented · groundbreaking
clichédriveting
Completely holding one's attention
gripping · compelling · captivating · fresh · engrossing