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 goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
-
Whether that was Florida officials flying into Oxford for a visit during a bye-week, or Kiffin engaging with LSU officials in different manners over the final few weeks of the Rebels' regular season.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Over the course of 18 months, Jackie and Laura will coach Natty on all the necessary skills to become a big-league service dog, including good manners and basic cues, all while maintaining a healthy diet on food provided by program partner, Eukanuba.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The unexpected, sweet gesture instantly changed the tone in the room.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
The film eliminated even a gesture toward a plot while showing solitary nonprofessional and real-life ranch-hand Misael Saavedra chopping and hauling logs in the Argentinian hinterlands (in actuality, Alonso’s family’s ranch).—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Nolan’s attentiveness to his characters extends beyond the page.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
12 May 2026
-
The variance with accustomed Goodspeed values is apparent from the very first moments, though the opening gambit fails due to an appalling lack of attentiveness from the audience.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Photograph courtesy Jennifer Hulse Israel seized control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the Six-Day War, in 1967.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
For her final day of engagements in the area, Middleton wore a cream pleated Jenny Packham skirt, Blazé Milano pin-stripe blazer and belt, as well as Alicia flats in taupe and black courtesy of designer Camilla Elphick.—
Stefania Saltalamacchia,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its elegance is showcased in movies, books, and art.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
-
From May 12 to May 23, the iconic brand joins in celebrating the artistry, elegance and empowerment that define beauty, both on and off the red carpet.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The visceral footage captures a neighborhood under siege, showcasing a breakdown of civility and a desperate police response.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
That civility is a thin veneer.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Traditionally, the style focuses on making jabs at someone’s appearance or identity, welcoming hurtful comments that punch down on someone when done without thoughtfulness.—
Steven Vargas,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Rejecting the gift too honestly would overshadow the thoughtfulness behind it.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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