1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
inquiring after his wife was a simple politeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of politeness
The poster themselves shared their belief in the power of politeness.
—
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While the wife’s new friendship may have started innocently, the man felt compelled to put his family’s comfort above politeness.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While the wife’s new friendship may have started innocently, the man felt compelled to put his family’s comfort above politeness.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
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The Drive Road manners are smooth and predictable, though steering feedback could be sharper.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Some felt its handling was off and others criticized its on-road manners.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Meta is said to be developing new smart glasses that include a display for viewing apps and notifications and a wristband for easier gesture control, according to Bloomberg.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
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The company applies a sociological attention to the gestures and dilemmas of people’s daily routines; once harvested, these insights are quickly incorporated into product designs.—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Thirty-three states have enacted legislation regarding school cellphone usage amid a growing push to restrict students’ smartphone access in schools, primarily due to mental health and concerns about academic attentiveness.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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This helps replicate the attentiveness of an in-store associate at scale.—
Charisma Glassman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Photo courtesy of Templon, Paris - Brussels Some of the bronze sculptures are painted in vibrant colors.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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As always, his courtesy was old-fashioned and slightly otherworldly.—
Cynthia Zarin,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The appliques elevate the bag by adding a pop of texture and elegance.—
Gabriela Izquierdo,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
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His unique vision combined with the timeless elegance of Dior resonates with me personally.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In characteristic fashion, some of Bragg’s last episodes explore dragons, civility, and the evolution of lungs.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
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Divisions within the Republican Party between those favoring hard-line policies and leaders seeking a return to civility and unity are likely to become more pronounced.—
Shane Croucher
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But genuine thoughtfulness—the kind that comes naturally?—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
18 Sep. 2025
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The thoughtfulness of the design should come as no surprise consider the property’s name; hygge is a Danish word that loosely translates to the art of building a warm, welcoming sanctuary.—
Carley Rojas Ávila,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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