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.

True to form for any of our U.S. intelligence operators, Mullins pays fleeting lip service to their more polite justification for engagement: Two Chinese nuclear scientists are en route to Isfahan Nuclear base with information or supplies to enrich and activate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. —

Andy Andersen, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2024 But the documentary depicts him as hostile to scrutiny by journalists and willing, at best, to pay lip service to threats to reporters. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2024 One report highlights that brands have come to rely on performative gestures, paying lip service to diversity without demonstrating long-term commitment. —

Hena Bryan, refinery29.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Unfortunately, lots of people pay lip service to backing up and then wail when their drive fails or their laptop is stolen. —

Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lip service