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.
Courtesy of Robbie Nero On the night of the Resist Ball, Lush continued to prove that its charitable commitments aren’t just lip service. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 22 May 2025 Honest, transparent government and public officials being held accountable for their actions — apparently, these are principles to which some Baltimore County officials continue to pay only lip service. Emmet C. Davitt, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025 The Dream are hoping this statement court becomes a template for how sports partnerships can actually advance the conversation instead of just paying lip service to it. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 May 2025 That tribute feels not in the least like someone paying lip service. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lip service

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lip service was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lip service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lip%20service. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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