SHIBBOLETH Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

shibboleth

noun

ˈshi-bə-ləth

as in slogan

an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product) we knew that their claim of giving "the best deal in town" was just a shibboleth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in cliche

an idea or expression that has been used by many people there's a lot of truth in the shibboleth that if you give some people an inch, they'll take a mile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

profundity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shibboleth But for those who remain beholden to the shibboleths that once justified that act of national self-harm, the Times’ acknowledgment of the obvious might be valuable. —The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024 Musk’s willingness to upend auto manufacturing shibboleths has also forced his legacy competitors to seek new efficiencies. —WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023 Nothing is sacrificed to the shibboleth of good taste. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023 Far from being a shibboleth of evil, the company is like any other trying to turn a profit in the Western world in 2023, which comes with its own issues and frustrations separate from the ones posited by Kristof in his viral article. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for shibboleth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shibboleth

Noun

The Justice Department describes a gang as an association of three or more members who have adopted a group identity used to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation through a common name, slogan or identifying sign such as a tattoo.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
To many in the LGBTQ community, the attire and the slogan are symbols of bigotry and intolerance at a time when gay, lesbian and transgender rights are under growing attack.

— Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025