as in politely
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 tactfully
How can this situation be dealt with tactfully with the hosts — if at all?
—
Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Forgoing opulence and drama, Stone’s floor-length dress featured a flowing silhouette and distinct gray lines tactfully exposing the seams of the garment.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The royal family are responsible for the seating arrangements at the state dinner and appear to have tactfully seated the media mogul far away from the president to avoid any awkward encounters.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry
shane Croucher
jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
At the top of the drive, a Greek-temple art museum presides, its most recent cultural icon—Sylvester Stallone as Rocky—tactfully tucked out of sight.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
But do it tactfully, in a way that resonates well.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Forgoing opulence and drama, Stone’s floor-length dress featured a flowing silhouette and distinct gray lines tactfully exposing the seams of the garment.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The royal family are responsible for the seating arrangements at the state dinner and appear to have tactfully seated the media mogul far away from the president to avoid any awkward encounters.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry
shane Croucher
jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
At the top of the drive, a Greek-temple art museum presides, its most recent cultural icon—Sylvester Stallone as Rocky—tactfully tucked out of sight.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
But do it tactfully, in a way that resonates well.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfully
Adverb
-
Batson posed a follow-up question about the uncertainty principle, politely requesting a reply without unwonted nonsense about bananas.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
City clerk staffers politely asked him to put his shoe back on.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Shein says Iran may be stalling diplomatically to see whether Washington limits talks to nuclear issues while avoiding missile constraints.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
When his words were put to Arbeloa, the 43-year-old replied diplomatically.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
When a visitor arrives in a classroom, a classroom ambassador welcomes them, introduces himself and the subject being taught, and courteously asks for the visitor’s name and affiliation.—
Walter Fields,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Such defendants must be released or civilly committed.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Litigation went back and forth civilly to the point where leadership needed the help of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, who eventually filed nuisance charges in January 2024.—
Lauren Linder,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tactfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfully. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
