stereotypical
Fitting the mold
Stereotypical describes something that conforms to a widely held, oversimplified image of a particular type of person or thing: the stereotypical absent-minded professor, stereotypical gender roles.
The word usually carries critical undertones—implying the characterization is reductive or unfair, even when the specific instance happens to fit the pattern.
Recurring narrative device
- hackneyedOverused and unoriginal
- banalUnoriginal and dull
- triteOverused, lacking freshness
- overusedEmployed too frequently
stale · formulaic · unoriginal · derivative · worn-out · stock · threadbare · corny
Representing the ideal type
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
embodiment · textbook · classic · prototypical · definitive · representative · typical · characteristic
Oversimplifying complex matters
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- one-dimensionalWithout depth or complexity
- simplisticExcessively basic, ignoring complexity
- unnuancedWithout subtle distinctions
shallow · superficial · black-and-white · crude · distorted · exaggerated · generalized · broad-brush
Intolerance toward differing views
- racismPrejudice based on ethnicity
- sexismGender-based prejudice
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
profiling · xenophobia · homophobia · intolerance · stigma · misogyny · chauvinism · ethnocentrism
Following long-held customs
- customaryDone by convention
- mainstreamDominant cultural current
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- normativeSetting behavioral standards
typical · standard · expected · established · routine · habitual · conformist · time-honored
trope
Recurring narrative device
overused · stale · formulaic · unoriginal · derivative · worn-out · stock · threadbare · corny · predictable
quintessential
Representing the ideal type
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
paradigm · embodiment · textbook · classic · prototypical · definitive · representative · typical · characteristic · model
reductive
Oversimplifying complex matters
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- one-dimensionalWithout depth or complexity
- simplisticExcessively basic, ignoring complexity
unnuanced · shallow · superficial · black-and-white · crude · distorted · exaggerated · generalized · broad-brush · cartoonish
bigotry
Intolerance toward differing views
- racismPrejudice based on ethnicity
- sexismGender-based prejudice
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
bias · profiling · xenophobia · homophobia · intolerance · stigma · misogyny · chauvinism · ethnocentrism · ageism
traditional
Following long-held customs
- customaryDone by convention
- mainstreamDominant cultural current
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
normative · typical · standard · expected · established · routine · habitual · conformist · time-honored · conservative
stereotypicalatypical
Not conforming to type
untypical · unconventional · uncharacteristic · aberrant · anomalous
stereotypicalindividual
One separate human being
unique · nuanced · distinctive · particular · singular
stereotypicaloriginal
First or inventive
creative · innovative · inventive · fresh · revolutionary