Synonym Chooser

How is the word politic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland, diplomatic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When could bland be used to replace politic?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than politic?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might smooth be a better fit than politic?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of politic?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use urbane instead of politic?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 politic Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 That doesn’t always gel with the sardonic remove the writers built into their material, nor the show’s prescient awareness of the sardonic tango of showbiz and politic power, personal branding and the possibility for genuinely populist adoration by those craving relief from being ignored. Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 4 Feb. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 Austin, the retired general with the little flag pin on his suit lapel, was the more politic witness. Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • So far, no travel plans have been made, but several analysts expect Xi to repeat his offer, especially knowing that Trump is always keen to be received with diplomatic fanfare.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The arrival marks the start of a full day of ceremonial and diplomatic engagements with King Charles III.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This additional layer of lateral thinking is almost never prudent, and usually serves to kill both guardians quicker (and instill a killer headache).
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Cramer said Fed Chair Jerome Powell is prudent, which is a desirable characteristic for those in his position.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
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
  • Authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol, zip ties, duct tape, a knife, a crowbar, and other tactical gear in his possession.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The system includes advanced sensors, such as AESA radar and the CEAFAR tactical radar, and uses passive detection tools.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders who can hold steady in discomfort and facilitate honest, respectful conversations help teams move from impasse to progress.
    Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk advocated for peaceful and respectful debate, warning against violence.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Either by choice or otherwise, Wolves lost seven players who appeared regularly in the first team last season and brought in six new faces, so numbers-wise, there is little difference.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The measure further reduces offshore drilling, but the effort to compensate in a region that is highly dependent on the oil industry was a wise move.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This death does not make Beto a more tactful interviewer.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The next step is for the CISO, through tactful negotiation, to secure the CEO's unwavering support.
    Phillimon Zongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The aluminum-creation process begins with bauxite ore, a raw material that contains desirable aluminum-rich minerals but also a host of impurities including silica and iron and titanium oxides.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Cramer said Fed Chair Jerome Powell is prudent, which is a desirable characteristic for those in his position.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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