platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the quality or state of being dull or insipid

… he seemed to breathe only for the purpose of perpetrating puns—things of so despicable a platitude …

—Edgar Allan Poe

2

: a banal, trite, or stale remark

… monologues with a few too many platitudes …

—Michael Musto

Synonyms of platitude

• cliché
• truism
• bromide
• banality
• commonplace
• trope
• saying

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

The quarterback usually speaks in emotionless platitudes during news conferences. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

By platitudes like a peaceful and dignified death and silly words like natural. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Running parallel to this butchery investigation is the arrival of perpetually hungover FBI agent Gwen Birgssen, played by British actress Lily James with an incomprehensible southern drawl and some clunky platitudes that veer into genre parody. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

In between some of the manager’s more clip-worthy quotes, there were more of his usual — and not incorrect — platitudes. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

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