Definition of civilnext
1
as in national
of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

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

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

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 can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but 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 civil Baldoni later responded with his own $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, claiming defamation, civil extortion, invasion of privacy, and breach of contract. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 Disruptive passengers can face criminal charges, and civil penalties can exceed $43,000 per violation, the FAA warned. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 In addition, the memo instructs the EPA to consider easing some civil enforcement against people who repair their own vehicles in good faith and restore them to their original operating condition. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 His lawyers recently filed a civil lawsuit against Hill for allegedly violating his right to a fair trial. Janice McDonald, ABC News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
Adjective
  • The United States men’s national soccer team is heading to the Round of 16, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2-0, on Wednesday night in Santa Clara, California.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Pyrotecnico, a national fireworks and drones display business, is in charge of the spectacle.
    Staff report, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
    Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Then, when regular channels deny your claim, send a polite, concise email to the company’s executives.
    Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks to a gracious group of Team Algeria soccer supporters, the city of Lawrence will forever have a reminder of its role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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