stereotype 1 of 2

Definition of stereotypenext
as in concept
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the noble savage was a stereotype that appealed to 18th-century intellectuals, who viewed European civilization as decadent and corrupt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

stereotype

2 of 2

verb

as in to overuse
to use so much as to make less appealing Movies have stereotyped the domineering mother-in-law ad nauseam.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 stereotype
Noun
According to its website, the group was founded in 1999 to provide accurate information about Islam to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026 Their goal is to end stereotypes by showing Latinos can authentically play any role—heroes, complex villains, or leaders. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Mormons have also sometimes been falsely stereotyped as being polygamists because some of their early founders and members were, but the group banned polygamy in 1890. Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025 Although dogs and cats are often stereotyped as natural enemies, animal behaviorists say that, with proper introductions and a calm environment, these species can form deep and lasting bonds. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stereotype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stereotype
Noun
  • Employers increasingly seek candidates who understand AI concepts, can work alongside AI systems, and develop AI solutions.
    Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Bar director Justin Sheffey and bar manager Christopher Osman invent new cocktails and innovate concepts on old-school tipples.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
    Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
  • So, if the idea of culture is overused, its importance tells the path to success — or failure.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Over the past few days, however, traders have reacted to the notion that AI also has the power to destroy the revenues of companies reliant on selling traditional software that can be replaced by AI.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The second annual Jambaloo erases that notion.
    Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.
    BostonGlobe.com, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
  • Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.
    Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Noun
  • The response affirmed something central to Kaplow’s conception of Hart — that comedy was not optional.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
  • What unifies these thinkers is a totalizing and conspiratorial conception of modern liberal politics.
    Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These little farms sold their milk to dairies that bore wonderful names like Calla Lily, in Glendale, Golden Poppy, in Downey, Santa Monica Dairy, in Venice, and Baldy View dairy, in Whittier.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • This composition would have made ancient tools harder and more durable than standard copper — a significant advantage for a drill bit that needed to bore through resistant materials.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.
    Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These, however, fall into the gorp-core aesthetic Bella Hadid helped popularize.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Watkinson credits local bartender Steve Foster for helping popularize the Flatliner.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stereotype. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stereotype

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!