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After bromine was discovered in 1827, chemists could not resist experimenting with the new element. It didn't take long before they found uses for its compounds, in particular potassium bromide, which was used as a sedative to treat everything from epilepsy to sleeplessness. By the 20th century, bromide was being used figuratively to apply to anything or anyone that might put one to sleep because of commonness or just plain dullness.
Examples of bromide in a Sentence
His speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.
a newspaper editorial offering the timeworn bromide that people should settle their differences peacefully
Recent Examples on the Web
In response to these criticisms, colleges and universities have offered bromides – i.e., vague ideas intended to placate, not Bromo-Seltzer which is no longer available at CVS – about building industry or employer partnerships.
—
Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
The same rule applies for hearing bromides about chasing dreams and believing in yourself.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
So, like many a bromide, there is a grain of truth to it.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
His trite bromides are typical of showbiz cretins struggling to appear principled.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bromide
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Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
The same rule applies for hearing bromides about chasing dreams and believing in yourself.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
So, like many a bromide, there is a grain of truth to it.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
His trite bromides are typical of showbiz cretins struggling to appear principled.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bromide
Cite this Entry
“Bromide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bromide. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bromide
noun
bro·mide
ˈbrō-ˌmīd 
: any of various compounds of bromine with another element or a chemical group including some used as sedatives
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