platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the quality or state of being dull or insipid

2

: a banal, trite, or stale remark

Synonyms

• banality
• bromide
• chestnut
• cliché
• cliche
• commonplace
• groaner
• homily
• shibboleth
• trope
• truism

Examples of platitude in a Sentence

His speech was filled with familiar platitudes about the value of hard work and dedication.

“blondes have more fun” is a silly platitude

Recent Examples on the Web

Too often people send graduates out into the world with platitudes and lofty thoughts. —Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Starting with fawning platitudes, the relationship between the world's richest man and the world's most powerful man has come to an acrimonious end. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Wilson delivered platitudes and cliches at the podium, but ultimately so far, the offense’s play has not been anywhere close to good enough in the open practices thus far. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025

Although, it must be said, this platitude declines rapidly into dark repetition, a burst of vigilance searching for release. —Jonathon Sturgeon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from plat flat, dull

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for platitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

Kids Definition

platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈplat-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

1

: the quality or state of being dull or not stimulating

2

: an obvious, stale, or shallow remark