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

• cliche
• cliché
• truism
• bromide

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

All platitudes aside, the Kentucky distillery really does make some fantastic whiskey, and two releases that always stand out are the annual 10 Year Old Bourbon and Rye—and the 2025 edition of the latter expression was just announced. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 May 2025

Without this, Earth Day and its commitments will remain fixed in a state of surface-level notability—platitudes and small gestures that are forgotten until the next one rolls around. —Jerel Ezell, Time, 22 Apr. 2025

Sources close to the pair say they were disappointed by the half-hearted platitudes offered by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav amid the firestorm. —Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025

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