genteelism

noun

gen·teel·ism jen-ˈtē(l)-ˌli-zəm

Synonyms of genteelism next

next

: a word believed by its user to be more polite or less vulgar than a common synonym

also : the use of genteelisms

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of genteelism was in 1926

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Genteelism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genteelism. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Word of the Day

zany

Listen to the pronunciation of zany

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Came First?

hot take or cold shoulder?

cold shoulder hot take

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY