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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of shibboleth
Musk’s willingness to upend auto manufacturing shibboleths has also forced his legacy competitors to seek new efficiencies.
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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
Along with the shibboleth that a failure to dominate encourages cop killing, the nineties study helped implant a second myth in police culture as well—that stopping cars is exceptionally dangerous to officers.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for shibboleth 
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
Along with the shibboleth that a failure to dominate encourages cop killing, the nineties study helped implant a second myth in police culture as well—that stopping cars is exceptionally dangerous to officers.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for shibboleth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shibboleth
Noun
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Initial slogans at the time called for regime change.Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024
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Or, to update that 1960s slogan—lifestyle personalities are political.Tony Peters, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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According to Nate, what makes working with Marielle satisfying isn’t just her determination to avoid the cliche, but her willingness to look for the best idea up until the last possible minute.Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2024
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Of the many threadbare cliches passed down among wine lovers, the idea that white wines do not merit aging is among the most egregious.Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Advanced Innovative Engineering View 7 Images The electric motor might carry the hype banner at the moment, but some minds remain convinced that there's plenty of innovation left to be extracted from internal combustion.New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2024
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Expect an open floor plan featuring wooden wall paneling, custom quilts, and warm lighting, as well as artful tiling under the interior design banner of Isaac Brest, with furniture sourced by Michael Bargo.Vogue, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The history of wellness suggests that the best way to defuse Kennedy’s power is not by litigating each one of his beliefs, some of which are irrefutable health truisms, but by understanding why the promise of being well has such lasting appeal.Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
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Yet, in business, this truism is often easier said than internalized.Mark Kane, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Third, your motivation is assumed as seeking ego-boosting platitudes and simply is intended to stoke your self-image.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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Her tenure in the U.S. Senate was marked by support for standard-issue progressive platitudes.Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
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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The trope of the toxic drama teacher rears its head: David and Sarah’s enigmatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley, manipulates their emotions and desires in the name of art.Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
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To promote more diverse and nuanced depictions of Jewish Americans, the study recommended elevating Jewish characters whose stories often remain untold; being mindful of tropes that associate Jews with money or power; and giving voice to Jewish pride and joy.Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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What to look for when buying chestnuts Preparing the perfect roasted chestnuts starts with a trip to your local grocery store.Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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Chestnut Praline Latte: Woodland-Themed Christmas Tree Caramelized chestnuts give Starbucks' Chestnut Praline Latte its signature taste.Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Shibboleth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shibboleth. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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