stereotypical

[ster-ee-uh-tip-i-kuhl, steer-] / ˌstɛr i əˈtɪp ɪ kəl, ˌstɪər- /

ADJECTIVE

usual; typical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

archetypal characteristic common customary ordinary prototypical stereotypic stock traditional typical usual

STRONG

routine

WEAK

banal bromidic clichéd cornball corny drained dull familiar tune flat hackneyed hokey jejune mildewed moth-eaten musty old hat overused platitudinal platitudinous prosaic ready-made run-of-the-mill shopworn stale threadbare timeworn uninspired unoriginal used-up vapid warmed-over well-worn worn-out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Usually engaged in anodyne activities, they present idealized versions of childhood: full of stereotypical sweetness, innocence and light.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

‘Valentine’s Day is no longer all about roses and rosé … the stereotypical cliché gifts of the past are shifting to those that actually make everyday sense.’

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

He says the film gave the brothers an opportunity to challenge stereotypical representations of Nigeria.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” casts Minneapolis as progressive and neighborly, a bustling metropolis located between stereotypical Midwestern patriarchal stubbornness and a feminist future.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Bobby then played one of the most colorful Yugoslavian masters, Dragoljub Janosevic, a heavy drinker, womanizer, and poker player, and more of a Damon Runyon character than a stereotypical chess player.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing stereotypical

All American Boys

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

This Week in Pop Culture: August 10–16, 2019

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!