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
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
We were inspired to see two business leaders taking up the cause — not with platitudes, but with practical solutions.
—
Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023
In recent weeks, China has ramped up its appeals to halt the Israel-Gaza war, a show of diplomatic bustle laden with humanitarian platitudes but light on substantive proposals for achieving a cease-fire.
—Chun Han Wong, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023
China may generously offer platitudes about peace but will try to avoid any kind of direct involvement, and Europe will find itself largely without leverage.
—Michael Kimmage and Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2023
This is a ridiculous truism and a stupid platitude.
—Joe Snell, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2023
An acid cleanse for healthy cynicism accrued over decades uncharitable to peace and love platitudes.
—Jeff Weiss, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023
But such statements are seen by many in Ukraine as platitudes.
—Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2023
The mice greet this with a shrug, mouth vague platitudes, and go on the talk-show circuit anyway.
—Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
The reality is that without unions, the good jobs strategy won’t rise much above the level of platitude.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 26 May 2023
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Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023
In recent weeks, China has ramped up its appeals to halt the Israel-Gaza war, a show of diplomatic bustle laden with humanitarian platitudes but light on substantive proposals for achieving a cease-fire.
—Chun Han Wong, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023
China may generously offer platitudes about peace but will try to avoid any kind of direct involvement, and Europe will find itself largely without leverage.
—Michael Kimmage and Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2023
This is a ridiculous truism and a stupid platitude.
—Joe Snell, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2023
An acid cleanse for healthy cynicism accrued over decades uncharitable to peace and love platitudes.
—Jeff Weiss, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023
But such statements are seen by many in Ukraine as platitudes.
—Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2023
The mice greet this with a shrug, mouth vague platitudes, and go on the talk-show circuit anyway.
—Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
The reality is that without unions, the good jobs strategy won’t rise much above the level of platitude.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 26 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'platitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, from plat flat, dull
First Known Use
1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near platitude
Cite this Entry
“Platitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platitude. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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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
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