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Definitions

lip service

NOUN
empty talk
Synonyms
WEAK
duplicity empty talk hollow words hypocrisy hypocritical respect insincerity jive lie lip devotion lip homage lip praise lip reverence lip worship mouth honor mouthing sham smooth talk sweet-talk token agreement tokenism unctuousness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Can any of us ever pay more than lip service to peace?

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

They pay lavish lip service to difficult and demanding ideals without developing the capabilities required to defend them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the cycle of "paying lip service to the potential of the North" had to end.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

Preparing Americans for this change can’t be just lip service with no follow-through.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 6, 2026

“Everyone pays lip service to world peace,” Hideo says.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

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