ˈstir-
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What is the Difference Between cliché and stereotype?
The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.
Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.
Examples of stereotype in a Sentence
Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
The luxury goods that millennials and Gen Z-ers want
Older generations often stereotype Millennials and Gen Z-ers as addicted to screens and bad in the workplace.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
Jack Irvin, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
As a result of their high cash flow generation and low growth prospects, utilities have also correctly fallen into the high dividend payer stereotype.
—Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stereotype
Cite this Entry
“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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stereotype
1 of 2 noun
stereotype
2 of 2 verbMedical Definition
stereotype
noun
ˈstir-
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