chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs How to pronounce chivalrous (audio)
Definition of chivalrousnext
as in noble
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

The words courteous and chivalrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chivalrous He's remained a core player ever since as the chivalrous yet sometimes hot-headed Nicholas Newman. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024 This chivalrous gentleman was joined by a starstruck insect. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2024 Lily falls in love with the charismatic but questionable Ryle; sweet, chivalrous Atlas returns from her past. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2024 McCray’s chivalrous side came out on the first date. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for chivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalrous
  1. noble
  2. great
  3. gallant
  4. honorable
  5. high
Adjective
  • While the Packers’ support of Walker was noble, getting your head coach enraged is never a good idea.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • On one hand, part of their appreciation for warning sirens lies in the noble purpose of preventing harm in the face of incipient natural disasters.
    — Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of noble
Adjective
  • The vibes are great in Chicago, where it’s been Johnson’s show since the former Lions OC agreed to join the Bears on a contract reportedly worth $13 million per year.
    — Torrey Hart, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • With a solid data foundation, external factors like fuel prices or carrier availability can be incorporated into planning with greater confidence.
    — Clemente Theotokis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of great
Adjective
  • In 1951, George Reeves played the gallant superhero in the first feature film based on a DC Comics character, Superman and the Mole Man.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Definition of gallant
Adjective
  • Its own sly twist casts Robert Mitchum—the original Cady—as the elderly, honorable police lieutenant Elgart, and Gregory Peck, 1962’s Bowden, as Cady’s defense attorney.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
  • To this attack, some men have responded by lending their support to individuals that embody none of those honorable traits that men aspire to internalize.
    — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 21 July 2025
Definition of honorable
Adjective
  • In Kentucky, the teen firearm suicide rate is 82.5% higher than the national average, according to gun death statistics maintained by the CDC.
    — Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • And the stakes in Oklahoma are high – as of July, federal data shows all 77 of the state's counties were experiencing some level of shortage of mental health professionals.
    — Beth Wallis, NPR, 28 July 2025
Definition of high

Browse Nearby Words

chitters
chivalrous
chivalrously
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Cite this Entry

“Chivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivalrous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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