Search Dictionary
Definition of hackneyed

hackneyed

/ˈhæk.nid/
hack · neyed
JUMP TO:

hackneyed Lexical Profile

hackneyed Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having been overused to the point of losing originality, freshness, or significance; trite and banal (especially of a phrase, plot, or idea).

Example

"The critic dismissed the novel for relying on hackneyed romantic tropes rather than developing complex characters."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hackneyed
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hackneyed

• Rhymes for hackneyed

• Nearby Words

hacker
hacking
hackles
hackneyed
hacksaw
hacktivism
hacktivist

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the 18th-century verb 'hackney', meaning to make commonplace through overuse, which originally referred to a riding horse kept for public hire, named after the London district of Hackney where such horses were raised.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hackneyed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hackneyed
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.