CHIVALROUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'chivalrous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When would 'civil' be a good substitute for 'chivalrous'?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: When is it sensible to use 'courteous' instead of 'chivalrous'?

The words courteous and chivalrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: How are the words 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' related?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy. // a gallant suitor of the old school

Q: When could 'polite' be used to replace 'chivalrous'?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality. // if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs

Definition of chivalrous next

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

The words courteous and chivalrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Examples of chivalrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Smith said callers to his show have argued Mosby’s testimony, while damaging, was chivalrous. —

Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2024 His directness, coupled with a vain attempt to save/redeem the drones working the phone lines, comes across as chivalrous in the face of such dishonorable behavior. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024 Archie making deep, chivalrous bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch's shins. —

Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 2 June 2023 His father, a member of the now-defunct Liberal Party, was anti-Europe but not aligned with the political right’s position on the issue, was prudish and chivalrous around women yet also a serial adulterer. —

Hugh Morris, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for chivalrous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chivalrous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.