civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl How to pronounce civil (audio)
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
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But, that same year, the FBI began investigating the department for misuse of civil asset forfeiture funds. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026 Jackson’s name is now at the top of literally hundreds and hundreds of court documents in the Texas civil justice system as a lead plaintiff for 31,600 Texas residents and business owners who have sued more than 220 energy companies for damages related to the storm. —Mark Curriden, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026 The company has not been charged in any criminal or civil enforcement matters. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026 Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
  1. national
  2. polite
  3. gracious
Adjective
  • During a government shutdown, all federal functions necessary for public safety, national security and protecting government property may continue, though employees work without pay.
    — Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The release of the two immigrants — and a third set free earlier Thursday in the same courthouse by another judge — is part of a national trend.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of national
Adjective
  • One year after Vice President JD Vance excoriated European leaders and accused them of sidelining far-right parties, Rubio’s politer tone came as a relief to many in the audience.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Is there any polite response to a comment such as this one?
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • To her credit, Shiffrin was gracious in defeat.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Shiffrin was predictably gracious in defeat — as rare as those defeats are.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of gracious

Phrases Containing civil

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civic
civil
civil court
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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on civil

Nglish: Translation of civil for Spanish Speakers

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