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.
Harbaugh isn’t a coach who pays lip service to the importance of building powerful lines. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 These are real veterans, not the local wannabes who give lip service to those who have been in the military but are somehow unable to credit the sacrifices of those who don’t share their political party. — Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 In contrast, organizations that pay lip service to innovation often struggle to scale their efforts. — Ludwig Melik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Even before October 7, the Israeli prime minister paid only the most passing lip service to the two-state solution. — Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Mar. 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

Rhymes for lip service

See All Rhymes for lip service

Browse Nearby Words

lip server
lip service
lip-smacking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lip service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lip%20service. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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