
Trope - noun \ ˈtrōp \
Definition of trope
1a : a word or expression used in a figurative sense : FIGURE OF SPEECH
b : a common or overused theme or device : CLICH the usual horror movie tropes
2 : a phrase or verse added as an embellishment or interpolation to the sung parts of the Mass in the Middle Ages
Synonyms: banality, bromide, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), commonplace, groaner, homily, platitude, shibboleth, truism
Recent Examples on the Web
The show aims to turn romantic comedy tropes on their heads, reminding viewers at every turn that Joe's relationship with Guinevere Beck is anything but healthy.
— Claire Dodson, Teen Vogue, "Penn Badgley Reminds Fans His "You" Character Joe Goldberg Is the Worst," 9 Jan. 2019
This false equivalence between Nazis and Israel is a trope on the left, where anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism elide.
— The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Education and Anti-Semitism," 28 Nov. 2018
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trope.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
History and Etymology for trope
Latin tropus, from Greek tropos turn, way, manner, style, trope, from trepein to turn