civility
noun
ci·vil·i·ty
sə-ˈvi-lə-tē 
plural civilities
1
a
: civilized conduct
b
: a polite act or expression
… lacked the little civilities and hypocrisies of political society …—
Roy Jenkins
Roy JenkinsThe men briefly exchanged civilities before the meeting began.
2
archaic
: training in the humanities
Examples of civility in a Sentence
They greeted each other with the usual exchange of civilities.
after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy
Recent Examples on the Web
His message of civility and respect echoes from a distant, even quaint, time.
—John T. Shaw, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
After all this hubbub sent shockwaves throughout the group, the two of them can sit down and communicate in the name of civility.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is pushing for the creation of a civility committee for a Council known for its infighting and polarity, at a time when families are preparing to navigate their own difficult political discussions this holiday season.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
Drawing from the Transportation Department's civility campaign, which was launched last week, Duffy encouraged people to have common courtesy, civility and patience when traveling.
—Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
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John T. Shaw, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
After all this hubbub sent shockwaves throughout the group, the two of them can sit down and communicate in the name of civility.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is pushing for the creation of a civility committee for a Council known for its infighting and polarity, at a time when families are preparing to navigate their own difficult political discussions this holiday season.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
Drawing from the Transportation Department's civility campaign, which was launched last week, Duffy encouraged people to have common courtesy, civility and patience when traveling.
—Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civility. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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civility
noun
ci·vil·i·ty
sə-ˈvil-ət-ē
plural civilities
1
: civilized conduct
especially
: courtesy sense 1, politeness
2
: a polite act or expression
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