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
Good bathroom etiquette here is less about politeness than safety, since a crowded aisle is something the crew would rather avoid.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well.
—
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
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
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well.
—
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
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
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
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Post set the gold standard for manners and social behavior for generations of Americans, social graces still valued and taught today.
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Remember that coughing and sneezing without a mask is considered very bad manners, as is attempting to board a train at the last minute and potentially causing a late departure.
Noun
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Many were disappointed that their families were not included in any kind of goodwill gesture.
-
Reese won the first one with LSU while delivering a taunting gesture toward Clark along the way, but Clark and Iowa took the rematch in 2024.
Noun
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In the past 15 years, and especially in the last five, our city has seen an influx of pizza restaurants and chefs who’ve brought a diversity of styles and an attentiveness to elevated ingredients and approaches.
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That attentiveness has allowed the family to build meaningful connections with both children, despite the challenges that come with their condition.
Noun
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Sugar is at the forensic lab with the corpse of a man who looks an awful lot like Ji Moon but isn’t Ji Moon (courtesy of Shea Whigham as Tom Flybjerg).
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The purists were always going to take issue with a Prancing Horse that had an electric powertrain instead of snarling internal combustion engine, but its unorthodox design, courtesy of Jony Ivy’s LoveFrom studio, has received just as much criticism.
Noun
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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.
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In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.
Noun
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Co-founder Doug Frost is one of only a handful of people alive to hold both the Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles, and the team utilise that world view to produce elegant Bordeaux and Rhone blends that capture a local identity and speak to a crowd wanting wanting elegance and acid.
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Swift is all about classic silhouettes and her wedding gown will likely have timeless elegance.
Noun
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There were some nods in the direction of a more old-fashioned political civility Wednesday night.
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As well as calling you a hypocrite almost a decade ago over your Monica Lewinsky jokes in the late 1990s and your calls for civility, John Oliver in particular has taken you to the woodshed over your criticism of late-night getting too partisan.
Noun
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Not much thoughtfulness, period.
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And Kimmel, who has never been accused of thoughtfulness or thoroughness, claiming that Colbert's contract offer proves something is once again wrong.
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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