CHIVALROUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs

Definition of chivalrous next

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

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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 Xavier is both when first introduced, but the slacker pothead lives long enough to reveal his chivalrous side. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025 The reality is that those men are not of the chivalrous variety, and Charity, who literally wears her heart on her shoulder, is left melancholy. —

David John Chávez, Mercury News, 21 June 2025 Archie making deep, chivalrous bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch's shins. —

Audrey Schmidt, People.com, 4 June 2025 The chivalrous Ted, Leslie reveals, not only pressured her to abort their child, but enlisted former brother-in-law Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) to threaten her to keep away. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for chivalrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalrous

Adjective

Netflix's Bridgerton is a Regency-era series about the romantic follies of the noble Bridgerton family.

— Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Values to be tested Its obsession is also unusual in an industry prone to mission drift, where tech companies are founded on noble notions of improving humanity — before the obligations to investors take over.

— Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of noble

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chitters

chivalrous

chivalrously

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“Chivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivalrous. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of chivalrous

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