lip service

noun

: an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds
—usually used with pay

Examples of lip service in a Sentence

She paid lip service to blue-collar workers, but she did nothing to help them. So far all we've gotten from him is lip service.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To Diaz, the assistance looked more like lip service. — Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 Lockwood’s nod to Wallace’s athleticism isn’t lip service, of course. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 But any practice having non-medical stakeholders can’t also care about patients and docs more than giving that concern lip service. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026 Some commanders paid lip service to the agreement, the soldiers said, while privately voicing desire for the war in Gaza to continue. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lip service

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lip service was in 1590

Rhymes for lip service

See All Rhymes for lip service

Browse Nearby Words

lip server
lip service
lip-smacking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lip service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lip%20service. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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