platitude

noun

plat·​i·​tude ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: the quality or state of being dull or insipid

2

: a banal, trite, or stale remark

Synonyms

• banality
• bromide
• chestnut
• cliché
• cliche
• commonplace
• groaner
• homily
• shibboleth
• trope
• truism

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

Writing at length is to me always an act of learning and changing, in which authors can strive towards something more dimensional than a platitude on a placard. —Literary Hub, 5 June 2025

Craig starts off leading a stable (enough) existence, working a corporate job, exchanging platitudes with his teenage son Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer), ignoring hints of discontent from Tami, and taking pride in his big accomplishment of getting speed bumps installed on their street. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 May 2025

Pick your favorite passive platitude to get through the next *checks watch* 1,362 days. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

Historically, these White House sit-downs were dull affairs, replete with grip-and-grin platitudes and geopolitical jargon. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025

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