as in cliche
an idea or expression that has been used by many people
An op-ed piece that offers nothing but warmed-over chestnuts for solving the city's financial woes.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chestnut
Noun
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Bana embodies Kyle’s suffocating cliches with endearing commitment, his gravelly voice, gentle countenance, and steadfast capability combining to form a recognizable portrait of pride and suffering.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
17 July 2025 -
And in a twist on the typical movie cliches, guess who plays the ditzy character this time?—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
17 July 2025
Noun
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In response to these criticisms, colleges and universities have offered bromides – i.e., vague ideas intended to placate, not Bromo-Seltzer which is no longer available at CVS – about building industry or employer partnerships.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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The same rule applies for hearing bromides about chasing dreams and believing in yourself.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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A certain proverb about glass houses comes to mind.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
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In other words, the proverb about teaching old dogs new tricks seemed personally apt.—
Thomas Cangelosi,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Noun
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But there actually is some evidence that the pop culture trope is rooted in science!—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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His set had its share of ’70s singer-songwriter instrumental tropes, including sax and steel guitar — comfort-food instruments whose warm touches help some of Misty’s more lacerating songs feel like you’re being treated with a balm.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Practice creating and communicating narratives that balance today’s truisms with tomorrow’s opportunities.—
Camille Nicita,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Comments Lovers of Little Women must always face some truisms — Beth will die; Jo will reject Laurie and choose the professor.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Walz seemed to agree but then retreated to platitudes.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
25 July 2025
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Every week, there’s a new example of the upside-down logic at work in the White House: platitudes that say one thing, policies that portend another.—
Heidi Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Not necessarily the worst team, but just a season that was boring, devoid of news, etc. — Clint N. While there are a few contenders, the 2013 season stands alone for tedium and banality.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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The costuming choices reflected the banality of the tech elites, with a few flourishes, like the bright Polaris snowmobile jumpsuits and long underwear worn in one early scene.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Never is a long time, and words can be meaningless, as the saying goes.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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Now, the saying will help the Heart community share and continue her legacy.—
Abby Roedel,
People.com,
19 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Chestnut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chestnut. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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