pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
Synonyms of pleasantrynext
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
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After Frankel stuffed Stacey on a point-blank shot from the slot due to a Boston turnover, Stacey engaged in pleasantries with a pile of Fleet sweaters in front of the blue paint. Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 The All-Star walked from the end of the bench to near midcourt to flag down his coach and remind Bickerstaff that the Detroit Pistons had no interest in exchanging postgame pleasantries with the Charlotte Hornets after their 118-100 blowout win. Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2026 Flagg and James exchanged pleasantries before and after the game, shaking hands twice on the court. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 5 Apr. 2026 Despite the intensity on the court, Staley and Auriemma have typically exchanged public pleasantries, complimenting each others' successes and importance to the women's game. ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 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 16 Apr. 2026.

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
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