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glib

glib

24 7.9
Being smooth and confident when talking but not honest
  • adjective
  • /ɡlɪb/
translation icon : superficial
  • Many politicians give glib answers during debates, avoiding the real complexities of the problems.
  • glib answer

OK, so let's see I I'll try not to be too glib about this.

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Examples

  • What we want is the glib aria of disastrous love, which is, finally, the purest expression of self-contempt.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • When they are working well, academic journals discourage arguments that are glib, sloppy, or circular.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Guys, can we not be glib about this, please?

  • Like a very glib cultural conflict removed from the things that are important in our lives.

  • Any comment, sir?" Joe forced a smile, searching for a glib response.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • OK, so let's see I I'll try not to be too glib about this.

  • I'm not trying to be glib.

  • The strength of this research is that it does not attempt to offer glib or simplistic answers to complex problems.

    Academic text (2008)
  • I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't be terribly glib just now, Max.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The Nation was maddeningly glib: there was no conceivable question it didn't have an answer for.

    Fiction book (1998)

Synonyms

slick
vsglib
91 4.7

Very smooth and attractive but not sincere or deep

is more specifically about fluent persuasive speech lacking depth
3 7.9

Able to speak in a way that charms and persuades people

is similar but often implies insincerity rather than pure charm
pat
vsglib
3 7.6

An answer that is too simple and seems not sincere

is about fluent persuasive talk rather than brief neat replies
high-sounding
vsglib
1 8.2

Seeming important or impressive but lacking real meaning and honesty

is about shallow fluent speech rather than lofty or pretentious wording
glib-tongued
vsglib
8.6

Someone who speaks smoothly and convincingly but does not seem honest

is the same meaning but as a single-word form
8.3

Someone who persuades people using clever, dishonest talk

is similar but applies broadly to fluent shallow speaking

Antonyms

239 2.5

Being honest and showing what you really feel

57 4.3

Serious and sincere about what you say or do

Compounds

Someone who speaks smoothly and convincingly but does not seem honest

How Insincere

glib
24 7.9
sincere
239 2.5

Surface Forms

glib positive
glibber comparative
glibbest superlative

Etymology

Glib probably comes from an old German word glibberig that meant 'slippery' or 'slimy'. Think of glib talk as 'sliding' off like something slippery: it sounds smooth but is not sincere, which explains why a glib person seems fluent yet shallow.