Synonym Chooser

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 Three months before Amado took the gun in January, a supervisor gave him a promotion and a raise, describing him as honest, courteous and showing integrity. Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025 Rather than subtly asking whether an applicant is humble, courteous, and a good listener, this question’s first purpose is gleaning what a student truly cares about. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Be kind, courteous, and patient, and hope that others respond likewise. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 If there’s a short person partaking in the shot ski, be courteous: all must crouch to their level. Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for courteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteous
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courteous

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