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
Yet these complaints ring hollow in the mouths of a commentariat that spent the election season boasting that Kamala Harris’s centrism was working.
—
Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
And Steichen’s inability to effectively communicate regarding the direction of his team — and more specifically its young quarterback — has made his words ring hollow to many fans.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Beyond Surface Solutions Many companies default to superficial fixes: elaborate office perks that go unused, engagement surveys that collect dust with no follow-up action, values statements that ring hollow, town halls where few speak up and cultural initiatives that feel forced.
—Louis Carter, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
And that’s a stirring sentiment, except … Mike has no idea who’s responsible for fork lifting the bus, so his vengeful promises ring hollow.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ring hollow 
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Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
And Steichen’s inability to effectively communicate regarding the direction of his team — and more specifically its young quarterback — has made his words ring hollow to many fans.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Beyond Surface Solutions Many companies default to superficial fixes: elaborate office perks that go unused, engagement surveys that collect dust with no follow-up action, values statements that ring hollow, town halls where few speak up and cultural initiatives that feel forced.
—Louis Carter, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
And that’s a stirring sentiment, except … Mike has no idea who’s responsible for fork lifting the bus, so his vengeful promises ring hollow.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ring hollow
Dictionary Entries Near ring hollow
Cite this Entry
“Ring hollow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ring%20hollow. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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