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
Edgar Allan Poe2
: a banal, trite, or stale remark
… monologues with a few too many platitudes …—Michael Musto
Michael MustoSynonyms of platitude
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
The public backing from members of the squad for Carrick has been pronounced, beyond the usual platitudes of players supporting their manager.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 24 May 2026
But behind the pomp and platitudes, Putin is also facing Xi in a much weaker position than during his last visit to Beijing in September.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
Taiwan Beneath all the platitudes, there are still some simmering tensions.
—Selina Wang, ABC News, 14 May 2026
The lyrics—elsewhere evocative—wilt dramatically, a slurry of platitudes.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for platitude
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Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 24 May 2026
But behind the pomp and platitudes, Putin is also facing Xi in a much weaker position than during his last visit to Beijing in September.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
Taiwan Beneath all the platitudes, there are still some simmering tensions.
—Selina Wang, ABC News, 14 May 2026
The lyrics—elsewhere evocative—wilt dramatically, a slurry of platitudes.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for platitude
Cite this Entry
“Platitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platitude. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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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