as in cliche
used or heard so often as to be dull
people at the funeral offered the grieving family well-worn platitudes and expressions of sympathy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 well-worn
The New York subway system was one of Keith Haring’s most beloved and well-worn canvases.
—
Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
The we’re-never-going-to-play-together-again-to-lucrative-reunion trail is well-worn at this point — just ask such famously feuding acts as the Eagles, Guns ‘N Roses, Pixies and, most recently and famously, Oasis: If there’s a windfall, there’s a way.
—Jeff Miller, Variety, 12 Sep. 2024
The ship generally looks good for its age, but some parts appeared well-worn.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 16 June 2024
An inter-generational audience of 200 attendees gathered at Oak Park’s Guild Theater, many with copies of The 1619 Project book, some well-worn, adorned with bookmarks and annotations, and others had never been opened before, having been bought minutes earlier at the entrance booth in preparation.
—Acsah Lemma, Sacramento Bee, 18 June 2024
Costume designer Kiyoshi Shaw provides outfits that helpfully remind you of the show’s early 20th century time period yet also seem natural, comfortable and well-worn.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2024
After the Renaissance and Impressionism, maybe the most well-worn.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
So, of course, this means Christina Aguilera could not possibly continue on this now well-worn — albeit still undeniably chic — path.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Feb. 2024
The story of Peter and Harry’s tense friendship is not nearly as well-worn as the deaths of Peter’s Uncle Ben or Batman’s parents.
—Gene Park, Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2023
Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
The we’re-never-going-to-play-together-again-to-lucrative-reunion trail is well-worn at this point — just ask such famously feuding acts as the Eagles, Guns ‘N Roses, Pixies and, most recently and famously, Oasis: If there’s a windfall, there’s a way.
—Jeff Miller, Variety, 12 Sep. 2024
The ship generally looks good for its age, but some parts appeared well-worn.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 16 June 2024
An inter-generational audience of 200 attendees gathered at Oak Park’s Guild Theater, many with copies of The 1619 Project book, some well-worn, adorned with bookmarks and annotations, and others had never been opened before, having been bought minutes earlier at the entrance booth in preparation.
—Acsah Lemma, Sacramento Bee, 18 June 2024
Costume designer Kiyoshi Shaw provides outfits that helpfully remind you of the show’s early 20th century time period yet also seem natural, comfortable and well-worn.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2024
After the Renaissance and Impressionism, maybe the most well-worn.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
So, of course, this means Christina Aguilera could not possibly continue on this now well-worn — albeit still undeniably chic — path.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Feb. 2024
The story of Peter and Harry’s tense friendship is not nearly as well-worn as the deaths of Peter’s Uncle Ben or Batman’s parents.
—Gene Park, Washington Post, 16 Oct. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-worn
Adjective
-
Founded by artists who grew up in Maryvale, Salcido said the purpose of Labor is to be the bridge that shows the artistic capacity and potential of Maryvale because the neighborhood is too often stereotyped, underrepresented and ignored.David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024
-
Chicano artists also critically reexamined stereotyped figures, such as the pachuco and pachuca, and retold current and historic events through artworks that questioned hegemonic narratives.Mary Thomas, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
-
In Germany in the early 1930s, many people were tired of violence, uncertainty, and a failing economy and hoped that a strong leader would heed their concerns and come up with new and effective solutions to bring better and calmer days.Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
-
People are tired of prescribed approaches to their work.Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But the hackneyed drama hasn’t mustered much enthusiasm from critics or moviegoers, and was unsurprisingly overlooked in the Globes’ best drama category.Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Revelations that are supposed to be moving and heartfelt feel hackneyed and clichéd, and it’s not helped by Shyamalan’s amateurish performance.Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
Gabbard also has an open mind and the curiosity necessary to evaluate complex and, often, contradictory reports that are commonplace in the Intel World.Robert C. O'Brien, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
-
Coaches and managers had to wait until half-time to review any footage but pitchside devices are now commonplace, having a notable influence on tactical decision-making.Mark Carey, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near well-worn
Cite this Entry
“Well-worn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-worn. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share