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.
There was no discussion, even, of the rainy weather, and few pleasantries were exchanged. Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 But when every conversation begins with pleasantries, momentum suffers. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Clark reciprocated pleasantries, though nothing was more eye-catching than her 3-point barrage late in the first quarter. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 15 June 2025 Backstage, Nikki Bella shared pleasantries with Natalya, Maxxine Dupri and Iyo Sky. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 9 June 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 8 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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