platitude
noun
-ˌtyüd\
Definition of platitude
1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
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Synonyms for platitude
Synonyms
banality, bromide, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), commonplace, groaner, homily, shibboleth, trope, truism
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Examples of platitude in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But so far, the USOC's account of itself has been bracingly free of information and long on platitude and propaganda. — Sally Jenkins, chicagotribune.com, "The USOC needs a leader who cares about athletes more than expense accounts," 5 July 2018 On the issue of violence, Mr. López Obrador has largely failed to articulate a policy that goes much beyond platitudes. — New York Times, "López Obrador, an Atypical Leftist, Wins Mexico Presidency in Landslide," 2 July 2018 The large number of dead and wounded attracts headlines and the usual prayers, platitudes and condolences from politicians. — Alan M. Delamater, Ph.d., miamiherald, "Children and gun violence: Solutions to reducing the epidemic | Miami Herald," 20 Feb. 2018 Lamm endears, despite Osborn’s lines that require her to burst with trite generalities and platitudes. — Jim Rutter, Philly.com, "People's Light's 'Morning's at Seven' delivers charm and laughs despite much family angst," 14 Jan. 2018 Calley said Schuette only speaks in sound bites and platitudes and rarely answers questions. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "GOP gubernatorial candidates try to make impressions in last debate," 28 June 2018 One after another speakers piled on the platitudes. — J.k. Dineen, San Francisco Chronicle, "San Francisco’s big new building has a down-to-earth opening ceremony," 22 May 2018 Whether Police Chief Art Acevedo and Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi can move the ball forward beyond platitudes from city hall - that's anybody's guess. — St. John Barned-smith, Houston Chronicle, "How understaffed are Houston police, really? ... It's complicated.," 1 Feb. 2018 Turn off the podcasts and put away the platitudes and instant affirmations, and go out into the world and walk your own streets. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes July 2-8," 29 June 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for platitude
platitude
noun
English Language Learners Definition of platitude
: a statement that expresses an idea that is not new
See the full definition for platitude in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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