1
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
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2
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
Example Sentences
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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
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
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The slogan even made it to the highest office in the land in September when former President Joe Biden included it in his speech during NJ/NY Gotham FC’s celebratory visit to the White House for winning the 2023 NWSL title.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
25 Feb. 2025
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The slogan has also been used by Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization responsible for the Oct. 7 attack.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But my money’s on Baker, one of the world’s finest filmmakers who tells stories about characters Hollywood so often turns into cliches and leaves behind.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2025
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All the cliches about how hard he’s worked in the weight room and on the football field … his work in the classroom is even more impressive, if not equally impressive.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
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All six of his title fights under the WSOF banner ended by knockout.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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The White House, the banner, guys experienced days leading up to the season having the trophy.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But there’s a truism embedded in its hyperbole: Most people on good terms with their mother would describe her as the world’s greatest, regardless of any flaws and errors along the way.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
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Sure, better a Jesse than the Pacific Lumber Company, but there’s still a sentimental solipsism in Redwood, an uneasy aspect of emotional tourism smothered in a broadside of throw-pillow truisms on connection, growth, and healing.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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No matter how appropriate the words are, the communication will feel less like a celebration and more like an inauthentic, low-effort platitude due to the lack of human effort.—
Andrew Brodsky,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
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Perhaps the fires that devastated Los Angeles in early January will take such platitudes out of circulation, at least for a little while.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The two-dimensional characters communicate in bromides; Lena’s fellow privates, who suffer from the laziest defining characteristics (coarse Southern gal, proper preacher’s daughter, New Yorker), are the worst offenders.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
6 Dec. 2024
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In place of triumph-of-the-human-spirit bromides, though, what the book delivers is its own kind of cinema, harsh and true.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
8 July 2024
Noun
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Donkey provided comic relief, pathos and friendship to Shrek, with the film praised for its humorous twist on fairy-tale tropes.—
Aaron Couch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
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Despite the slowdown of viral fashion cores and aesthetics, the New York runway was home to several distinct fashion tropes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Jakins won but was accused of using a steel chestnut to defeat his opponents.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
16 Oct. 2024
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Dishes like a roast chicken presented over a spiced bulgar pilaf with raisins and chestnuts, or eggplants broiled tender with pomegranate and yogurt sauce demonstrate Roden’s expert mixing of traditional and modern.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appétit,
30 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to shibboleth
Cite this Entry
“Shibboleth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shibboleth. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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