pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: a humorous act or remark : jest
2
: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter
3
: a polite social remark
exchanged pleasantries

Examples of pleasantry in a Sentence

“how are you” is merely a social pleasantry his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After running into each other at a Laker’s game and exchanging pleasantries, Sandler says the pop star’s agent began to continually reach out to find a way to work with the comedian. Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 July 2025 Although the Musée Granet finally acquired its first Cézanne in 1984, Aix has long had a shaky relationship with its most famous native son, who shocked the art world—and his hometown—with his bold departure from the hazy pleasantries of Impressionism. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025 By contrast, Blatter’s successor is characterised as a man in a hurry, too busy to dwell too long on pleasantries. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025 But beneath the pleasantries, motives start to be questioned leading to a devastating series of events. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasantry was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasantry. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun
pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: agreeable playfulness in conversation
2
a
: a humorous act or speech
b
: a light or casual polite remark
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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