The word "Stepford" has come to refer to a type of community in which conformity and suburban perfection are highly valued. Synonyms that could be used to describe such a community might include "cookie-cutter," "homogenous," "sterile," "pre-fabricated," or "uniform." Other synonyms might emphasize the superficial nature of this type of community, such as "shallow," "artificial," "plastic," or "vacuous." Similarly, words that highlight the restrictive or controlling nature of a Stepford-like community might include "oppressive," "constricting," "authoritarian," or "opinionless." Overall, the term "Stepford" has become synonymous with a type of society that values surface appearances over individuality or authentic expression.