What does "lip service" mean?

Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention.

What is a synonym for "lip service"?

Common synonyms include: bomfog, cant, empty apology, empty gesture, eyewash, false piety.

noun, slang

noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level

Noun

1
Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention. idiomatic, uncountable
"The candidate gave lip service to fixing the problems, but it is doubtful that he will do much."
2
an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction wordnet
3
Cunnilingus (sometimes also referred to as giving lip). slang, uncountable, vulgar
"Jack gave Samantha lip service."

"The candidate gave lip service to fixing the problems, but it is doubtful that he will do much."

First use appears c. 1590, in A Treatise against Witchcraft by Henry Holland. Compare earlier lip-labour.