platitude

noun plat·i·tude \ ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid

2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark

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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 of platitude from the Web

Dragging this department into the modern era is a battle worth waging — if only for the sake of the brave female firefighters who deserve more than platitudes from their bosses about what won’t be tolerated.

— adrian walker, BostonGlobe.com, "For women in the Boston Fire Department, an unwelcome part of the job," 16 May 2018
Kim understands the guy who negotiates through power, not platitudes and legacy building.

— greg gutfeld, Fox News, "Gutfeld on Trump's Nobel prize nomination," 4 May 2018
These are the regal epigrams that stand alone, can seem like platitudes, and yet supply arch but indirect commentary on a turn of events without naming or tagging the players.

— jason pontin, WIRED, "Donald Trump and the Golden Age of Subtweeting," 4 May 2018
The hoary ‘60s platitude that psychedelics would help unlock the secrets of consciousness may turn out not to be so preposterous after all.

— michael pollan, WSJ, "The New Science of Psychedelics," 3 May 2018
The Radio Row circuit brings you the best vaguely telegraphed offseason platitudes of the week.

— conor orr, SI.com, "Before He Became the Eagles' Backup Plan, Nick Foles Was Working on His Backup Plan," 31 Jan. 2018
Intent on not tipping their hand before the three-day NFL draft begins Thursday night, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera spoke in platitudes.

— scott fowler, charlotteobserver, "What needs should Panthers fill in first 88 selections? A road map for Marty Hurney | Charlotte Observer," 25 Apr. 2018
But first-time filmmakers Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein squander both these assets, delivering less of a movie than a corporate-friendly platform on which to sell female empowerment through platitudes and lifestyle brands.

— leah pickett, Chicago Reader, "There's something ugly about I Feel Pretty," 20 Apr. 2018
With all those platitudes flowing freely toward the corner of Clark and Addison streets, are the Cubs in danger of turning into one of those teams America loves to hate, like the Yankees or Duke?

— paul sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Success hasn't turned Cubs from lovable to unlikable ... yet," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'platitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.