1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance
did me the courtesy of loaning me his jacket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
the greeting "How are you?" is often intended as no more than a courtesy
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in attentiveness
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
a woman who responds to every situation with courtesy and kindness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 courtesy
And in yesterday’s other round of 32 knockout match, Brazil came back to win 2-1 against Japan, courtesy of a late injury-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli.
—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
As with any heat wave, the scorching weather comes courtesy of an area of high pressure moving in over the region and then barely budging.
—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
29 June 2026
Olandria Olandria also went sheer in a burst of yellow courtesy of Theo Philio.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Is it defined by the scrappy, DIY spirit of Derek Jarman in the 1980s, or the New Queer Cinema movement in the 1990s, courtesy of directors like Gregg Araki and Gus Van Sant?
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for courtesy
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
As with any heat wave, the scorching weather comes courtesy of an area of high pressure moving in over the region and then barely budging.
—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
29 June 2026
Olandria Olandria also went sheer in a burst of yellow courtesy of Theo Philio.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Is it defined by the scrappy, DIY spirit of Derek Jarman in the 1980s, or the New Queer Cinema movement in the 1990s, courtesy of directors like Gregg Araki and Gus Van Sant?
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for courtesy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesy
Noun
-
All of us are invited to choose to become better human beings and to show up at work and in the world with increasing love, kindness, courage and forgiveness.
-
That instinct to lean into life with curiosity, optimism, and kindness is, perhaps, America's greatest attraction.
Noun
-
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI rescinded the excommunications of the surviving bishops as a gesture towards reconciliation.
-
People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
Noun
-
That attentiveness showed up in small ways throughout our stay.
-
In the past 15 years, and especially in the last five, our city has seen an influx of pizza restaurants and chefs who’ve brought a diversity of styles and an attentiveness to elevated ingredients and approaches.
Noun
-
In response to what state leaders describe as threats from the federal government, the Minnesota Department of Human Services began the major task of revalidating 5,472 providers across various service programs deemed at high risk for fraud.
-
With families and corporate groups back on schedule, historic resorts empty out and service gets noticeably more personal.
Noun
-
The Colorado attorney general oversees more than 700 attorneys and staff and manages legal manners spanning consumer protection, civil rights, criminal, water, constitutional and environmental law.
-
The causes and manners of death for all six victims will not be officially determined until toxicology testing and the investigation are complete, Rabbitt said.
Noun
-
The rhythm and schedule of a World Cup does not allow England such privileges.
-
For Catherine, most of these dietary rules are about practicality rather than privilege.
Noun
-
Talat’s mocktails display the same thoughtfulness, intention and care as the food.
-
Unlike the glitter of our youth, Brunel’s body oils are formulated with more thoughtfulness.
Noun
-
With the grace of a bull in a china shop, Thiero flung himself toward the rim.
-
Per Vanity Fair, Charles is estimated to control around 100 grace-and-favor residences.
Cite this Entry
“Courtesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtesy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
