1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pleasantry
The two caught up briefly prior to tipoff, sharing an embrace and exchanging a few pleasantries before White had to get back to his pregame preparations.
—
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, over years of random, closeted and compulsive encounters, Shane and Ilya barely exchange pleasantries during their hot, impersonal hookups, even calling each other by their last names — half bros, half hos.
—David Colman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Accomplish any tasks that are genuinely necessary, but leave room for pleasantries and small talk too.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
While reporters were present, the two leaders only exchanged pleasantries.
—Michelle L. Price, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, over years of random, closeted and compulsive encounters, Shane and Ilya barely exchange pleasantries during their hot, impersonal hookups, even calling each other by their last names — half bros, half hos.
—David Colman, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Accomplish any tasks that are genuinely necessary, but leave room for pleasantries and small talk too.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
While reporters were present, the two leaders only exchanged pleasantries.
—Michelle L. Price, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
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After missing 27 consecutive games with a sore right knee, days of rehab and setbacks, that simple gesture said it all.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
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The banner, more reminiscent of the way leaders are plastered on government buildings in a dictatorship like North Korea, is just the type of gesture the president expects.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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No this is not a joke…Retro Weather Channel is officially back!—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
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The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling The Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress from Brooklyn Bedding excels at temperature regulation courtesy of its advanced cooling technologies and breathable hybrid construction.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Tune into yourself while tuning out the outside world courtesy of an E-bike ride under the Tuscan sun, a stroll through the olive groves, a dip in the infinity pool, a meditative massage, or a private cooking class using ingredients sourced from the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Bauers clearly hit the base square in the middle, and the call was quickly overturned, leading to laughs from both managers, the Rays’ Kevin Cash and the Brewers’ Pat Murphy.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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Write a quick Easter joke on a sheet of paper and include it in your kids' lunch boxes the week of Easter for a sweet midday laugh, caption an Instagram post, or leave some surprise puns inside Easter eggs at the hunt.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There was none of the usual laughing and joking.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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Lindsay says that Jesse was serious about asking, but that the make-out would be a joking make-out.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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