COURTEOUS Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'courteous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of courteous are chivalrous , civil , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: When can 'chivalrous' be used instead of 'courteous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to courteous , chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: Where would 'civil' be a reasonable alternative to 'courteous'?

The words civil and courteous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: How are the words 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' related as synonyms of 'courteous'?

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 'courteous'?

The meanings of polite and courteous largely overlap; 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

courteous

adjective

ˈkər-tē-əs

Definition of courteous next

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners their customer service department always gives courteous responses, even to rude people

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How does the adjective courteous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of courteous are chivalrous, civil, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When can chivalrous be used instead of courteous?

While in some cases nearly identical to courteous, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Where would civil be a reasonable alternative to courteous?

The words civil and courteous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of courteous?

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 courteous?

The meanings of polite and courteous largely overlap; 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 courteous Your selfish needs rule over being courteous and polite. —

Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 Taking turns, waiting for space to open up, and being courteous when standing helps keep the process orderly. —

Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 Gate agents are usually pragmatic, and a courteous response gets you on your way faster. —

Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025 Here are four tips from Gottsman and Swann to be a courteous guest. —

Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courteous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteous

Adjective

Wisman was polite and articulate — a good kid, but also different.

— Keith O'Brien, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2026
Gentrified neighborhoods displace Black and brown communities just as aggressively as ICE does, although with a polite smile.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of polite

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courteous

courteously

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“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 23 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of courteous

adjective

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