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 That time usually corresponds to the end of civil twilight. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 19 Sep. 2025 John Lynch has been covering criminal cases and civil litigation at the Pulaski County Courthouse for 20 years. —John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2025 The current advisory, last updated on July 15, outlines significant safety concerns related to crime and civil unrest. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025 It is not yet known who will be named in the civil suit. —Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
  1. national
  2. polite
  3. gracious
Adjective
  • The lower figure would help stabilize debt from national borrowing at more manageable levels.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Sacramento lawyer and legal talk show host Chris Lee helped foster the late Rush Limbaugh’s career at radio station KFBK and traveled with the national conservative broadcaster to many countries and on many cruises, according to Lee’s family and friends.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Definition of national
Adjective
  • Throughout his unfortunately short life, Charlie committed himself unreservedly to reasoned debate, rational discourse, and the polite exchange of opinion.
    — Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • It is paneled in dark wood, the chairs are heavy leather and the murmur of polite, intelligent conversation hangs in the air.
    — Benjamin D. Summers, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • With news of Redford’s death Tuesday at age 89, several Tiburon residents remembered him as a gracious, unassuming man who liked to walk around town and patronize local restaurants.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Bluemercury was gracious enough to clue our editors in on what its hottest products of the season are, so that you can be better informed when filling your cart with moisturizers, shampoos, serums, hair styling tools, eyeliners, and all sorts of other beauty essentials.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
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 22 Sep. 2025.

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