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

Donovan reiterated a series of platitudes that haven’t changed during his time with the Bulls. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

For Hankins-Biggers and her team, espousing empty platitudes isn’t enough. —Essence, 22 Mar. 2026

But when platitudes aren’t backed by action, the disparity between branding and behavior becomes impossible to ignore. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026

Eritrea had trounced Zanzibar to reach the semi-finals of the CECAFA Under-20 Championship — consisting of national teams from east and central African nations — when, amid the celebrations and platitudes from government officials back home, the players made their move. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 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