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

In most cases, the record holders agree to be interviewed, distilling years of experience into fairly shallow platitudes — pithy advice Green finds understandably unsatisfying. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

Darveau’s wish for the university’s employees was not a holiday platitude. —Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

And still … No matter how many platitudes thrown his way for mental makeup, expert preparation and popularity in the locker room, Stidham faces a daunting challenge. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2026

The lockers were cleaned out, the garbage bags were full, and the platitudes were flying in lieu of the confetti that won’t be falling for the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in February. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 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