as in politic
having or showing tact
tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tactful
Coach Erik Spoelstra was a bit more tactful while offering similar sentiment.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Please advise me on a tactful way to address this dear woman.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Heather, who normally is good at playing this game and tactful while making risky moves like this, seems to have had just enough to drink to lose that tact.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Others, like Lakosky and Drury, have taken slightly more tactful approaches.
—Will Brantley, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactful
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Please advise me on a tactful way to address this dear woman.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Heather, who normally is good at playing this game and tactful while making risky moves like this, seems to have had just enough to drink to lose that tact.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Others, like Lakosky and Drury, have taken slightly more tactful approaches.
—Will Brantley, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tactful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactful
Adjective
-
What’s depicted focuses on the advances these early feminists made at the school and in society, and the personal tensions between the relentlessly radical Marks and the more politic Woolley.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
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Florida has had enough of pettiness, politic stunts and petulance.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Present and correct, just in smaller quantities than previously, and now obliged to make polite conversation with Alexandra Champalimaud’s additions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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If diplomatic overtures and negotiations do not persuade allies to adopt the same levels of restrictions proposed in the MATCH Act, the bill would direct the Commerce Department to invoke regulatory authorities that would force allies to cut off exports to China.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
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Mobile Pathways data, for example, shows that thousands of people have been ordered deported to Honduras — despite a diplomatic agreement that allows the country to take a total of just 10 such deportees per month for 24 months.—
Molly A. Wallace,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Visitors are quickly welcomed into this respectful rhythm, and that’s where Costa Rica’s transformative power begins.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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