as in politely
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Recent Examples of tactfully
While Smith tactfully deflected that question, Church and other supporters would like to see a portion of the downtown building used for a larger display of his work.
—
Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
The Chinese researchers remained tactfully silent on the military front — perhaps choosing scientific decorum over a discussion of battlefield utility.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
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
Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
The Chinese researchers remained tactfully silent on the military front — perhaps choosing scientific decorum over a discussion of battlefield utility.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfully
Adverb
-
Three sitting rooms are complemented by a further three members’ social spaces for carousing in, concealed behind a subtle screen (here, DJs including Goldierocks make appearances, and mobile snaps are banned; staff politely place a sticker over mobile camera lenses).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
As the credits rolled, the audience clapped politely.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Adverb
-
His potential political ambitions aside, Rubio has incentive to seek good relations with the Vatican, both diplomatically and personally as a devout member of the faith.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
And diplomatically, Trump looks weak.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 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
-
Dotter estimates 25 to 45 defendants a year would be civilly committed if the bill passes.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The bill also says that those blocking a road could also be held civilly liable for damages.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tactfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfully. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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