pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē 

plural pleasantries

1

: a humorous act or remark : jest

2

: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter

3

: a polite social remark

exchanged pleasantries

Synonyms

• gesture
• courtesy

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

These polite pleasantries waste precious attention. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Trump applauded while the Russian president walked to meet him, shaking hands and giving friendly arm taps while the two exchanged pleasantries before posing for photos. —Rema Rahman, The Hill, 16 Aug. 2025

Advertisement Trump didn’t wait to get past the pleasantries. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pleasantry

• peasantry

Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē 

plural pleasantries

1

: agreeable playfulness in conversation

2

a

: a humorous act or speech

b

: a light or casual polite remark