ring hollow
idiom
: to seem untruthful or insincere
Their promises ring hollow.
His apology rang hollow.
Examples of ring hollow in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When leaders in Congress condemn attacks like the one in Boulder but fail to use their authority to prevent further violence, their words ring hollow.
—
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
For German companies, which have been producing their goods in the United States since the late 1800s, such arguments ring hollow.
—Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 13 May 2025
For some, the American promise of freedom and prosperity seemed to ring hollow.
—Geoffrey Baym, The Conversation, 5 May 2025
In a letter to the LAPD’s civilian Police Commission, several watchdog groups said public assurances by city officials that L.A. won’t cooperate in deportations ring hollow.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ring hollow
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
For German companies, which have been producing their goods in the United States since the late 1800s, such arguments ring hollow.
—Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 13 May 2025
For some, the American promise of freedom and prosperity seemed to ring hollow.
—Geoffrey Baym, The Conversation, 5 May 2025
In a letter to the LAPD’s civilian Police Commission, several watchdog groups said public assurances by city officials that L.A. won’t cooperate in deportations ring hollow.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ring hollow
Cite this Entry
“Ring hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ring%20hollow. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share